The Powys schoolboy whose courage inspired a community

For Dougie's bravery in the face of adversity is one which is an inspiration to all and the Powys Community Heroes Child of Courage Award could find no more worthy a recipient.

Aged just four the Newtown youngster was rushed to hospital following a routine eye test after school.

A malignant brain tumour was discovered and he underwent a high risk 12 hour operation at Birmingham Children's Hospital to remove it.

Father John said: "Dougie’s and our family’s world was turned upside down in an instant."

However the Thurston family were not alone in their hour of need and have not been alone since as the entire community was galvanized into action.

John said: "The support that we have received from so many of our amazing family and friends since that day has been nothing short of incredible and has without doubt helped Dougie and us as a family get through the many tough times since.

"We can’t thank everyone enough and could not have done it without the help, support and kind words."

Dougie is a fighter and spent five weeks in intensive care with John praising the treatment he received in Birmingham.

"The care received from the NHS Surgeons/doctors and nurses in BCH was amazing and again we will never be able to thank these people enough," said John.

Dougie Thurston.

After a long five weeks Dougie was able to return home for a three days to see his brother and sister who he had not seen for five weeks having left them on the pavement outside the opticians."

However the battle continued for both Dougie and his devoted parents who were left with no choice than leave Rene and Iori and embark on the next stage of Dougie's treatment in Germany where he underwent five weeks of Proton Radiotherapy treatment in Essen

John said: "We can’t describe how hard this was."

The dream of uniting the family of five once again and supporting Dougie in his treatment had been the great motivator.

John said: "Dougie is being incredibly brave and an absolute hero. His recovery from the operation is still on-going but he’s incredibly determined and is making progress each day.

"It’s been the toughest of journeys so far for him and our family and there is still a long road and more treatment ahead, but we are 100 per cent focussed on getting Dougie better with all the love and support that he needs and are praying for a positive outcome at the end of it for our amazing boy.

Dougie Thurston.

Dougie returned to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for the beginning of his chemotherapy treatment and finally allowed to return home for nearly two months.

A semblance of the life which was turned upside down was restored for the family.

John said: "Dougie absolutely loved being back home and being able to spend time with Rene and Iori as well as playing with his friends who he was over the moon to see again.

"He was also able to do some of the things and visit some of the places that he loves that he hasn’t been able to do for so long. His recovery from his operation and the radiotherapy is still ongoing but he has made so much progress since the op. He continues to be an absolute superstar and hero to us all."

John praised the community and fundraisers who were all united in their support for the family and love for a brave little boy who overcame so many hurdles in his battle back to health.

John said: "A massive thank you to Marc Roberts who swam two lengths of Bala Lake , Morrison’s Newtown, Newtown Knit & Natter, Kevin Jones, Danny Davies, The Pheasant and Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd who have all been absolutely incredible and we are so grateful for. The support has blown us away and has helped us so much.

Meanwhile a Ride4Dougie event saw a group cycle from Birmingham Children's Hospital to Newtown.

Dougie has also embraced his physiotherapy, including learning to write with his left hand, and the family were overjoyed when his progress led to him returning to the saddle of his beloved bike.

John said: "He’s made so much progress thanks to the hard work of the fantastic physios in Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Germany, Louise in Ynsy y Plant and Helen King in Baschurch, who have all been brilliant with him.

"Dougie’s now able to run and ride his bike again, build Lego, kick and catch a ball. Before Christmas he wrote Christmas cards to all of his classmates, 29 of them, using his left hand which he’s learnt to write with since the op. He’s now doing exercises with bosu and exercise balls. All of this not so long ago seemed a world away. We’re so proud of our brave and beautiful boy."

Dougie has two months left of chemotherapy and all of Powys will celebrate with the Thurston family when this exceptional little boy rings the bell.

EVABUILD, SPONSOR OF THE CHILD OF COURAGE AWARD

Evabuild are proud to sponsor the Child of courage award at this year’s Powys County Times Community Heroes Awards. 
At Evabuild, they make it their job to get to know their clients needs and work closely with them to build an open and trusting relationship. 
They actively encourage early engagement which allows they to investigate ground conditions, utility connections and general feasibility to de-risk a project and eliminate potential unforeseen circumstances and their associated costs.
Their hallmarks are displayed through their strong core values and a hard working ethic, all underlined by a personable and non-contractual approach
As a contractor, they pride themselves on being courteous, considerate and conscientious to everyone on the site. 
They go the extra mile and do the little things that matter to make the project run as smoothly as possible for those it is affecting.
They work around their clients, whether it’s a busy hospital or a school during term time, to minimise noise, dirt and disruption.