IPSWICH: For little Lewis Rowe, this Christmas will be a bright spot in the dark days of illness - and his family are making it as special as possible.

Richard Cornwell

IPSWICH: For little Lewis Rowe, this Christmas will be a bright spot in the dark days of illness - and his family are making it as special as possible.

The youngster is facing nearly a year of intensive chemotherapy treatment for leukaemia, weekly trips to Addenbrooke's Hospital, and constant medication as he battles to overcome the blood cancer.

To make Christmas especially bright, his uncle Darren Towns has decorated the outside of his home for the festive season - with 35 colourful illuminated yuletide designs featuring thousands of lights.

Mr Towns, 38, and his wife Tracey, 31, and their seven children, live in Clapgate Lane and their display is one of the most spectacular in the town.

“We have decorated the house before but this time we wanted to do it for Lewis and there is a collection box so that people can donate to the Leukaemia Trust,” said Mr Towns.

“I don't think so many people are decorating their homes as there was a few years ago, but I love doing it because it brings a bit of colour to the area.

“It's a lot of fun, and we hope people will come along and see it and enjoy and put some money in the collection for the trust.”

Have you decorated the outside of your home for Christmas for charity? Contact the Evening Star Newsdesk on 01473 324788 or email starnews@eveningstar.co.uk

NORMALLY a bright, cheerful little boy, full of energy like his school classmates, it's been a rough time for Lewis Rowe since he was diagnosed with the blood disorder.

The eight-year-old, who loves to be called Lew-Lew, was diagnosed with leukaemia nine weeks ago and his first chemo sessions did not go well. Shortly after, he got swine flu.

He is currently on five different types of medication three times every day and this week restarts chemo, sessions which will go on weekly for the next nine to 11 months.

At times he is confined to a wheelchair and is too weak to walk.

“He was a very outgoing little boy and used to being very active,” said his mum Emma Rowe, 29, of King's Way, Ipswich, who has three other children, Imogen, seven, Tyler, five, and Jordan, 11.

“It's been awful for him and so frustrating, and he gets so tired, but I think he is doing very well and we are doing all we can for him.”

Lewis hasn't been able to attend Piper's Vale primary since being diagnosed and efforts are being made to arrange a home tutor.