Three-year-old cancer patient gives back to hospital after eight months of treatment

Three-year-old Jude Khambata, from Swinton, who has spent eight months receiving treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, is preparing to take part in a sponsored Pyjama Walk with his family this September, raising vital funds for the Therapeutic Play service that supported him throughout his treatment. His story comes as September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The family-friendly event, which takes place at Heaton Park on Saturday 26 September, will see Jude and his two older sisters don their matching leopard-print pyjamas to take part in the 5km walk.

Jude was just three years old when he suddenly became unwell in December 2025. After experiencing headaches and vomiting for around a week and a half, his mum Jess took him to their local hospital, where a CT scan revealed a malignant tumour. Jude was immediately transferred to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for specialist treatment.

Jude underwent surgery to remove the tumour, followed by six rounds of chemotherapy, a stem cell harvest and transplant. His treatment meant he spent the next eight months in and out of hospital.

Throughout his treatment, Jude and his family were supported by the hospital’s Therapeutic Play Team, who helped bring moments of fun, normality and childhood into an incredibly difficult time.

Reflecting on Jude’s experience, mum Jess said: “I cannot convey the gratitude we have for everybody at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Everyone we met, from neurosurgery to the Play Team, was amazing and looked after us and Jude so well.

“The day before Jude’s second surgery was New Year’s Day, so it was an extremely emotional time for us as a family. The night before his surgery, Play staff brought toys to the ward for Jude to play with, he ended up laughing his head off whilst playing with his dinosaurs. As a parent, seeing him having fun and just being a little boy for a bit was such a relief. It’s those small moments that really make a difference; we were able to create special memories together during an incredibly scary and uncertain period of our lives.

“The Play Area on the hospital roof was amazing too. Having the chance to get some fresh air and go outside to play was so important for Jude and for us.”

Having completed his final round of chemotherapy in August, Jude and his family are now awaiting his final end-of-treatment scan. As he continues to be closely monitored by his medical team, the family wanted to find a way to give back to the hospital and staff that have been there for them throughout his treatment.

Jess added: “We’ve been in survival mode for so long, but we really wanted to find a way to say ‘thank you’ to the hospital for all their hard work and care. When we saw the Pyjama Walk, we thought it was perfect because we were able to take part as a family.

“We’re really looking forward to getting our matching leopard-print pyjamas on and walking together with Jude and his two older sisters. Jude might not manage the full 5km and may need his pram, but we’ll take it at his pace and make sure he has fun along the way!”

The Khambata family has already raised over £1,500 in sponsorship for the hospital’s Therapeutic Play Team, helping to ensure other children can benefit from play and moments of normality whilst receiving treatment in hospital.

Antonia Scappaticci-Merrick, Events Manager for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, which raises funds for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, said:

“We’re so pleased Jude and his family are taking part in this year’s Pyjama Walk and are incredibly grateful for their support.

“Jude’s experience shows just how important play can be for children and their families during long hospital stays. By taking part in the Pyjama Walk and raising funds for the hospital’s Therapeutic Play Service, Jude and his family are helping us provide that same support to many more children and families.”

The family-friendly, sponsored walk will take place at Heaton Park on the afternoon of Saturday 26 September, with participants encouraged to swap their usual walking gear for pyjamas, onesies and dressing gowns.

The event will feature a lively warm-up, entertainment, a scavenger hunt and activities for children, with money raised helping to support Therapeutic Play at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and its satellite services.

To sign up for the Pyjama Walk and help support Therapeutic Play at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, please visit our website now.