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We want to get his story out there - he was such a rare little boy

The Journal

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July 22, 2025

A NORTHUMBERLAND mum is determined to share the story of her “rare little boy” who died last November aged just two and a half.

- SAM VOLPE Health reporter sam.volpe@reachplc.com

We want to get his story out there - he was such a rare little boy

Little Alexander McMillan, from Ashington, had a genetic condition called WWOX which affects the brain - the average life expectancy is just four years.

But his mum Emma Dunn told The Journal how he had been a “lovely, cheeky little boy” and that raising awareness of his illness and the charities that supported her family felt vital to them.

In September, Emma and daughter Bella will return to the Great North Run to take on the “mini” event again.

A year ago Alexander was there too - and Emma said they all loved the day and had vowed to come back “every year”.

At the event they will be fundraising for the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity - which supported them throughout Alexander's short life.

Emma called on people to join in with #TeamAlexander, as she put it, and support the charity.

She said: “Alexander always wanted to be famous so this is a chance for us to fulfil his dream - let's make Alexander famous!”

Emma recalled the heartbreaking diagnosis and what Alexander had been through.

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