Their four-year-old son Henry had overcome the odds and made it through two years of intensive treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. 

On November 1, he proudly rang the bell at Sydney Children’s Hospital’s oncology ward to signify that he was cancer free. 

Unfortunately just months later, Henry would relapse. 

Now back in Sydney and undergoing his second round of treatment, his supportive family has never left his side. 

In March, Andrew, Rachel and their seven-year-old son Justin will all shave their heads as part of World’s Greatest Shave. 

With a target to raise $10,000, Rachel said they hoped a cure would one day be found to spare other children from what Henry was going through.

“Our life froze the last time we went through this and unfortunately we have had to put the freeze switch back on,” she said. 

“We are living a very up-ended life at the moment, but if Henry has a good day then we have a good day.

“The most important thing for us at the moment is to stay together as a family.”

This year marks the Leukaemia Foundation’s 20th year for World’s Greatest Shave.

The blood disease affects more than 60,000 Australians, with one person diagnosed every 41 minutes. 

Rachel said the decision to participate in the shave was a matter of timing, with Henry losing his own hair because of chemotherapy treatment. 

“Kids are just so resilient and Henry is being so brave,” she said.  

“We really just hope that one day soon, any child diagnosed with leukaemia is cured without the need for chemotherapy, radiation or a bone marrow transplants.

“It is such a tough experience for patients, but especially children.”

Rachel said the family was looking forward to returning to Tasmania when Henry’s treatment was completed.

“Tasmania was always our new start, but it was short-lived. Andrew had gotten an exciting new job, Jacob had started school at Punchbowl Primary and Henry was looking forward to starting this year as well. As soon as he is well again, Tasmania is where we will be.”

Donations to ‘Team Thompson’ can be made here.