A Burnley teenager, who has helped raise more than £200,000 for charity while battling cancer, has been told that his body is ‘clear of cancer cells’.

Hughie Higginson, 13,  was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) in 2020 and began treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Since then Hughie and best friend Freddie Xavi have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for a hospital charity, even winning a Pride of Britain award in 2021 for their efforts.

Now, after more three years of “gruelling treatment” Hughie has been told that his body is clear of leukaemia cells, meaning his treatment has worked.

Lancashire Telegraph: Hughie Higginson and Freddie Xavi at the Pride of Britain awards in 2021Hughie Higginson and Freddie Xavi at the Pride of Britain awards in 2021 (Image: PA)Speaking to a national news outlet Hughie said: “A few weeks ago I had some bone marrow tests at the hospital… they could see absolutely no leukaemia cells.

“It means all the treatment I have had over the last few years has worked. It is some incredible news.

“I want to say a massive thank you to my family for sticking with me. I also want to thank Freddie who is an absolute hero. I couldn’t have done it without everyone.”

Hughie’s dad Keiron Higginson told the Lancashire Telegraph that Hughie’s treatment is still ongoing, adding that he is thankful for the support and kind messages from the public.

He said: "We're all so happy with test results Hughie received last week.

“At this stage in his treatment it's fantastic to know that all of the gruelling treatment Hughie has had to endure over the past three years has been working.

“As he heads into what we hope are the final few months of treatment it has given him and our whole family and friends a massive boost.

“We're so thankful to the wonderful staff at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital for the care and support they continue to give to Hughie.

"We are also really grateful for all the kind messages of love and support we have received from people all around the country."

This year, the duo took on a new charity challenge where they toured the UK to run 1km around 92 Premier League and English Football League clubs, raising even more money for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity as well as other oncology wards around the country.

They also launched a fundraising appeal, aiming to raise £300,000 to give a  Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital’s play area a revamp.

The young authors have even written a book about friendship called ‘Friends Are Amazing’.