Memory of Adam Watson lives on as his parents bring his inspirational B Positive message to children battling cancer with new suitcase initiative

Prior to his tragic death acute myeloid leukaemia, the young gaming fan set up the cancer charity B Positive with parents Sara and David, who continue to run it in his memory.

Adam helped design a range of merchandise, including hooded tops with the B Positive logo, to raise funds to buy suitcases for other children who’re on the same cancer journey as he was.

Now, over 200 of the special suitcases are on their way to children with cancer in Northern Ireland.

Mum Sara, who works for NIE Networks, said 240 family-sized cases, which are at a new depot that was recently leased by the couple, will be filled with emergency toiletries and other items.

She said: “Adam was diagnosed in Newry on a Monday morning when he was seven. We were blue-lighted to the Royal in Belfast – and that’s where we had to remain for over 30 nights.

“We all went in the clothes we’d put on that morning, nobody had anything.”

Sara said that living “in and out of hospital” meant an accumulation of plastic bags containing pyjamas, underwear, toiletries, which resulted in the suitcase idea she’s now putting into practice.

“You could be in the hospital for a day appointment only for your child’s temperature to spike,” she said.

“That means you’re not allowed home, so we bought a suitcase and always kept it packed. Any time Adam was admitted into hospital, the suitcase came with us.

“The idea is that parents in that situation will learn to keep their case packed and ready in the boot of the car so it’s less of a worry if their child takes ill suddenly.”

In addition to toiletries, Sara hopes each one will eventually contain a bespoke baseball cap and a blue blanket with Adam’s logo.

In Northern Ireland between 70 and 80 children are diagnosed with cancer every year.

“If we can do one small thing to make their situation any easier, then we’re honouring Adam’s memory,” she said.

Sara described her son, who attended Abercorn Primary in Banbridge, as an intelligent and lovable child, the loss of whom has turned their world upside down.

“Nothing is the same,” she said.

“You get up each day and go through the motions, but we always remind ourselves that Adam was sick for 33 months and in all that time, there wasn’t a day he didn’t get out of his bed.

“He got up and faced every day with a smile. If there was a wee child crying in the clinic he would try to comfort them.

“Adam was always very concerned about others despite having the biggest fight of his life on his hands.”

Sara added: “Whilst every day is sad for us, if we can help another family then we’re being a bit more Adam-like – that helps us get through each day. Adam didn’t give up so we can’t.”