Young Bristol cancer patients star in Aardman cartoon

Young cancer patients have told their stories in a cartoon that shows children and parents what it is like to have treatment.

The six children, who received radiotherapy in Bristol, teamed up with the animation house Aardman for the production called One of a Kind!

Their voices were recorded and given to the animated characters in the short film.

It will be made available to hospitals all over the UK.

The cartoon was the idea of Jancis Kinsman, advanced practice therapy radiographer at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre.

She said: "This film will be a valuable tool for preparing children and their families for radiotherapy and will compliment the wonderful work already done by specialist paediatric radiographers, oncologists and play specialists around the country."

The film, which was funded by various charities, was directed by Emma Lazenby, lead designer on children's television programme Charlie and Lola, and winner of a 2010 Bafta award for her short animation Mother of Many.

She said: "When I went into the hospital there wasn't really anything for children, just cold black and white leaflets which were quite technical.

"This is quite simple and nice, from children to children."

Cameron Short, 11, from Shirehampton near Bristol, had radiotherapy to treat a brain tumour.

He said: "It was really good fun to be part of the film. I really hope it helps other children who need radiotherapy."

The children were each given a framed picture of their cartoon character.

The film will be shown in the hospitals that supported the project - in Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Oxford and Southampton - and will also be made available to all hospitals in Britain.