Twins Ethan and Kai Thompson turn on lights at Birmingham Children's Hospital

Dec 6 2007 By Patrice John, Birmingham Mail

TWIN boys who were diagnosed with leukaemia a year apart brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of people as they switched on the Christmas lights.

Three-year-olds Ethan and Kai Thompson, from Stechford, were guests of honour at the ceremony at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

And despite currently facing treatment at the hospital, little Ethan still managed to join his twin to welcome on-lookers in Birmingham city centre.

Father of the boys Rob Thompson was also on hand to present a cheque for £11,330 to the hospital to help them with their work.

The 38-year-old operations manager said: "We, as a family, managed to raise this money on behalf of the twins.

"We want to make sure that whatever we do from now on, will always be for a cause where they can give something back.

"The Children's Hospital have done an amazing job with both Ethan and Kai and we are very thankful."

Ethan was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2005 and after going through months of gruelling chemotherapy the toddler no longer needs intensive hospital treatment.

But one year later, his twin Kai was diagnosed with the same illness.

Since then the boys' parents and family have set about raising much needed funds for Birmingham Children's Hospital.

They have organised charity football matches, held sponsored parachute jumps, and last year managed to raise £10,500.

Rob, who is married to 34-year-old Rachel, said they could not have raised the money without the help of close friends Kevin, Keith and Barry Dutton.

Next year Rob plans to run a marathon to raise funds for the hospital and he and Rachel also want to plough money into organisations that conduct research into the causes of leukaemia. "We want to do alot for leukaemia research," he said.

"Ultimately, we want to stop this dreadful disease from damaging lives."

Anyone wishing to donate to Ethan and Kai's appeal should email rachthompson@blueyonder.co.uk

You can find more information on how to dedicate a light on the 40ft tree at www.bch.org.uk/departments/fundraising/events.htm

Or, you can call 0121 333 8503 to find out how to make a donation.