Ewing sarcoma is actually a group of four different types of cancer, known collectively as the Ewing family of tumours (EFT). Ewing sarcoma of bone is the most common of these. Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma occurs in the soft tissue surrounding bone; peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) can be found in either the bone or the soft tissue and Askin tumour occurs in the chest wall.

The cause of EFTs is unknown but it is thought that they may be linked to periods of rapid bone growth, explaining why they are seen more often in teenagers.

Ewing sarcoma of bone affects up to 25 children a year in the UK.

Joshua's tumour was large and over 30cm in his pelvic bone when it it was found. He responded very well to chemotherapy and the tumour shrank to 1cm  and became inactive. He rang the bell at the end of his treatment and was looking forward to getting back to college and  fulfilling his hopes and dreams that had been put on hold while under treatment.

Sadly he relapsed within six months and stopped responding to treatment.

With his family around him he passed away peacefully on the 2nd September 2018.