A TEENAGE cancer patient will address a star-studded Christmas carol concert to explain the importance of the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Matthew Holder-Wooloff, who turned 15 yesterday, will appear alongside actors Hannah Gordon, Geraldine James and Edward Fox to tell the story of his ongoing battle with leukaemia at the hospital’s fundraising event at Dorchester Abbey on Friday.

The teenager, from Langford Village, Bicester, has been treated at the facility, which forms part of the new west wing at the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington, for almost two years.

His mother Jackie said: “It started off with him being sick and having a bad cough and cold. Then it developed into a really bad sore throat.

“We thought it could be glandular fever but a blood test at the Horton Hospital revealed it was leukaemia.

“He was transferred at 4am to the Children’s Hospital one morning in February 2007.

“It was all very frightening until we got there. They were so organised and they knew so much. They instantly reassured us and gave Matthew a lumber puncture that day and started his treatment. It was all very swift.”

Matthew, who last week met the Queen during her visit to the hospital, began an intensive 10-month course of chemotherapy after his diagnosis.

Mrs Holder-Wooloff said: “The hospital only recently been opened so everything was brand new, clean and comfortable. Everything we could have wanted was there, which made a big difference.

“The first batch of treatment was in an isolation room which had a TV, DVD and PlayStation. It also had a guest bed for parents to sleep on, so I slept with him in that room.

“The facilities are just superb and so are the staff. The non-medical stuff like the PlayStation made the difference to him, and they are the sorts of things that are bought through fundraising.”

Matthew, who will be supported from the audience by his mother, father Geoff and nine-year-old brother Aidan, said: “I’m a bit nervous but I’m quite happy to give something back to the hospital.

“The facilities like the PlayStation really help because it gives you something to take your mind off what’s going on.

“The staff are wonderful. They’re really friendly and always know what they are talking about. If I asked a question never once did they say ‘I’ll go and find out for you’, they always knew the answer there and then.

“I will be outlining what the hospital means to children like me, and encouraging donations.”

Jackie added: “The thing that struck me is you never knew whose child is next. He was fit and healthy, playing rugby all the time — there was no clue it was coming. There but for the grace of God go so many parents, and that is why it is such a good cause.”

Tickets, from £25, are available by calling 01865 743444.

tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk