An IRVINE schoolboy’s family assembled to throw him a Halloween party celebrating his last dose of chemotherapy.

Ace Ward has been undergoing treatment for B-Cell Acute Lymphobastic Leukaemia for 10 months but completed his final block of chemo in October having entered remission in June.

Parents Vicky and Brian, brother Harrison and sister Hayley, donned Ace’s favourite superhero costumes to give him a Marvel-lous ‘Maintenance Party’.

Vicky told the Times: “It felt like such a big milestone to get to.

“It’s such a difference to his life. He can play with his brothers and sister, he can have a bath, he’ll be able to go back to school once COVID calms down.”

The six-year-old is due to have his central line, used for his cancer treatment, removed in surgery this week.

Previously, his mum has been worried that the line might get pulled accidentally if he was playing or at

school.

In March, brave Ace had to overcome his fear of losing his hair.

But once he realised he’d have the same haircut as his Celtic hero Scott Brown, he was proud to sport a

‘Broony’.

Ace’s hair is beginning to grow back, and although he still has years of maintenance treatment ahead it should not fall out again.

Instead of weekly surgeries and chemo at hospital, he will be able to take his drugs at home and reduce operations to once a month.

Vicky said: “I’m happy we’ve got here but also scared if it will be enough.

“As his mum, it’s been difficult seeing other kids who haven’t made it, and that has taken its toll.”

For almost a year, the St Mark’s pupil has battled through painful injections, surgery through his spine, chemo, and months away from family, friends and school.

It has, without a doubt, been the most difficult experience for the family but, Vicky said, they have changed for the better.

When they were told that he had entered remission in June, it was the first time since his diagnosis that the family had an indication that the treatment is working.

That meant they may not need to look at transplants or other medication available elsewhere.

Back then Vicky told the Times: “We were absolutely delighted. We weren’t expecting it.

“A lot of people think he’s alright now, but he is nowhere near alright.

“He’s basically put one foot on the ladder.”

Ace’s immune system remains vulnerable, but the Vicky and dad Brian are hopeful he can return to school once the pandemic subsides.