A BRAVE four-year-old who has endured a gruelling year battling cancer was given a welcome break from treatment with his family as a respite retreat emerged from lockdown.

Caleb Stirrat and his family, from Parkhall, arrived to the Whiteleys Retreat in Ayrshire last month as lockdown restrictions lifted.

The centre is for children going through treatment for cancer or other life limiting illness and was able to welcome families back for the first time since March.

Caleb had tumours removed from his brain for a second time in June after the devastating diagnosis the cancer had returned.

He is now undergoing six weeks of radiotherapy after making memories at Whiteleys, which his family say helped them escape their troubles.

Caleb, his mum Karen and dad Andrew, and his triplet sisters Poppy and Alyssia were also joined by his grandparents and aunt who are rallying round him.

In a note left by the family, they said: “We now feel refreshed and ready to begin the next few difficult months ahead. Thank you for giving us the most perfect breakaway.”

The family visited Heads of Ayr Farm Park and enjoyed a traditional chippy, whilst taking in the beautiful surrounding at Whiteleys and seeing the animals.

Maxine Allan, CEO for Whiteleys, said: “The family was in desperate need of respite and to spend quality time together.

“With restrictions lifted, they were also very excited to have their grandparents and aunt join them – to help build resilience as a unit for the next stage of Caleb’s journey.”