AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD from Bridgwater who was diagnosed with Leukaemia declared a shop near Wellington that’s dedicated to all things Christmassy open.

Finley Larcombe, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, cut the official ribbon at Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm in Langford Budville and launched its Christmas shop on Friday, November 15.

Tash Larcombe, Finley’s mum, explained: “We were over the moon that Finley was selected to officially open Langford Lakes’ Christmas shop and Christmas tree farm.

“I nominated Finley because we had an awful Christmas last year as he was diagnosed with Leukaemia in December 2018 and is currently undergoing chemotherapy to treat it.

“Like most children, Finley loves Christmas and it was a real treat for him to have a festive evening at the Christmas tree farm. Finley’s brother Olly, who is four and his sister, Ebony aged 11 thoroughly enjoyed it too.

“We had a great time. Thanks to Langford Lakes for treating Finley to an extra special evening and kicking off our countdown to Christmas in style.”

Finley is now in the maintenance phase of treatment for Leukaemia, which consists of a daily oral chemotherapy and a weekly dose of another oral chemotherapy.

He also has a weekly blood test. Once a month the family visits the hospital for IV chemo through his portacath and five days of steroids.

Natasha added: “The past 11 months have been devastating for us as a family and adjusting to this new way of life has taken its toll on all of us.

“However, Finley, has handled it extremely well. We have our dark days, but we get through them. The first seven months were gruelling and harsh.

“Finley is doing really well and treatment ceases on February 19, 2022.

“He is in complete remission from the cancer and we hope it stays this way and we can ring the bell.”

Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm is a family run 40-acre farm that is located close to the nature reserve Langford Heathfield, a mile outside of Langford Budville in Somerset.

Reg Hendy from Langford Lakes said: “We were delighted that Finley could help us open our Christmas tree farm and shop for the festive season.

“It was our treat to have him as our VIP for the evening. We are also inviting the Larcombe family back to choose one of our homegrown Christmas trees free of charge.

“We hope Finley and his family have a wonderful Christmas this year.”

Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm is hoping to collect as much money as possible for Children’s Hospice South West from the sale of mince pies and teas and coffees.

The refreshments will be on offer until its last day of trading before Christmas on December 23.

Last year it managed to raise £3,662 for the organisation.