A 10-YEAR-OLD boy and his family have been given the best Christmas present possible - when he received the all clear after an eight year fight against leukaemia.

Charlie Manfield, who lives in Sharney Avenue, Langley with his mum Susan and dad Michael was diagnosed when he was two years old and had to undergo chemotherapy until he was five.

The Observer reported 18 months ago how Charlie refused to let his illness stop him indulging his passion for football - and how he firmly told his parents it was time to get married, when they put off their wedding for six years to concentrate all their energies on helping him get well.

His mum said: "We were in Corfu and Charlie said 'when are you two going to get married?'

The couple married at the Guildhall and every guest was formally invited by Charlie.

That was 18 months ago.

But this Christmas Charlie finally got the good news he had been hoping for - the news that he was clear of the illness that he had lived with for so long.

Asked what he wanted for Christmas Charlie knew exactly what it should be - a big party that would celebrate his recovery and raise money for the Sebastian's Action Trust charity which helps and supports sick children. His own family has benefitted from its help.

The party was held on Sunday at Richings Park Sports Club and 100 friends and family members came - helping to raise three and a half thousand pounds for the charity.

Charlie's mum Susan said: "I can't put into words how we feel after eight years of anxiety.

"It is a huge relief but we also know how lucky we are, we know children who haven't made it."

Sunday's party was quite an event with games and events, a raffle and auction, Santa Claus and of course face painting. Charlie and his dad both had their faces painted like the Incredible Hulk.

Mum Susan said: "It seemed a good idea as Charlie has proved what a fighter he is."

Charlie is a pupil at Langley Hall Primary Academy and a keen player with the Burnham Junior Black Savers football team.