A loveable and caring four-year-old Leeds boy has just months to live after tragically being told nothing more can be done to treat his rare type of brain cancer.
Little Nova Yates started to lose his balance and his family noticed his face started to droop when he was just two-years-old. He was rushed to hospital and underwent an agonising 10-hour brain operation, which left him unable to walk or eat.
Nova, who has been under treatment at Leeds Children's Hospital, went through 18 months of chemotherapy with "brutal and devastating side effects". This was followed by radiotherapy. Throughout it all his mum and dad, Heather and Danny, have been by his side.
Read more: British dad dies after being 'beaten up by bouncers' in Magaluf
Heather, 26, said: "We spent lots of hard nights together in isolation with only each other as company. Nova underwent six weeks of radiotherapy, where every single day he was put under general anaesthetic to receive his treatment. Throughout it all Nova has been a true superhero but unfortunately the treatments have run out."
Nova's case has been sent around the world to be assessed by doctors and he has spent the majority of the last two years in hospital. Heather said: "We are left with no other options than to accept Nova now has terminal cancer with only months to live."
The devastated mum said: "Nova is the most loveable and caring four-year old boy that you could ever meet and he has been through so much in his short life that I want to make his last months the most amazing and enjoyable time I can for him." Heather is now fundraising for her son and is hoping to raise £14,000 so the family can enjoy activities and spend time together doing the things Nova enjoys.
The community in Leeds have rallied and over £13,000 has been raised so far. Leeds Rebound Gymnastics squad gave Nova and his friends the gymnasium to themselves last month.
A club spokesman said: "Part of our mission is to better the lives of the local community and Nova's story has really touched our heart." The club is sending Nova and his family to Calypso cove, York Maze, Blackpool pleasure beach & Sundown Adventure park later this month and they have also bought him some toys from Symths.
The club spokesman said: "Nova is the most loveable and caring four-year-old boy that you could ever meet and he has been through so much in his short life. We urge anyone who can to donate to Nova's go fund me to ensure Nova's last months, weeks and days are filled with happiness."
To donate to the Go Fund Me for Nova click here.
Read next:
The most expensive Leeds streets to buy a house in every single postcode
Leeds pubs serving pints for £1.29 to celebrate Yorkshire Day 2022
Rate My Takeaway's Danny Malin takes dad to Barnsley for 'little piggies' in posh van
ITV Emmerdale star Daisy Campbell 'shocked' to be stopped by police on Yorkshire night out
Get the latest Leeds food, drink and shopping news with our Best in Leeds newsletter
