A KNIGHTSWOOD family has remembered their son – who died of a brain tumour – by raising funds for the charity that gave them “an escape” during his treatment.

Jack Lang was just nine years old when he passed away after a two-year long battle with the cancer, following a diagnosis just a week after his seventh birthday.

After getting up one day, Jack was seeing double and staggering, prompting parents Marion and Stuart to take him to hospital.

Tests revealed it was a tumour and a year-and-a-half of treatment followed, as Jack underwent radiotherapy and then chemotherapy.

During the difficult period, Marion said the family struggled for normality during Jack’s treatment and felt as though their whole life had been spent in hospital.

However, on one visit she noticed a flyer for Calum’s Cabin – a retreat on the isle of Bute for families who have a child suffering from cancer.

Jack visited Bute with his sister Aimee and their parents for the first time after his radiotherapy, and Marion said the getaway was an “amazing” experience.

Marion said: “We didn’t know what to expect. It was a cottage we stayed in the first time, which was this beautiful bungalow.

“It had a bedroom, living room and kitchen. It was out of this world. It was just amazing. There was a book that tells you all the things you can do nearby.

“You’re making the most of it. You totally forget about the hospital. It was an escape.”

Jack went fishing for the first time, and the family were able to spend quality time together – playing games and watching DVDs – and briefly forget about his illness.

In September 2014, after an MRI scan it had become clear that Jack’s tumour had returned and the “cheeky” football-daft boy sadly passed away that November.

The founding family of Calum’s Cabin – Caroline, Duncan and Jenna Speirs from Rothesay – have provided invaluable support to the Langs, who completed the Kiltwalk recently in aid of the retreat.

The charity was set up in memory of Caroline and Duncan’s son, and Jenna’s twin brother, Calum, who died in 2007 after battling a brain tumour.

Before he died, Calum expressed the wish that other families with children suffering from cancer should get the chance to experience the beauty of Bute by spending time on the island.

Marion added: “I think more people are getting to know about it, which is great. What they provide for the families is priceless.

“I don’t think we would have been able to take Jack on holiday if it wasn’t for Calum’s Cabin. They know what you are going through.

“They’re an amazing family and they support hundreds of families. You can talk to people, but talking to somebody who has been through the exact same thing is different because they understand.

“We are forever grateful for the memories we made thanks to their kindness.”

The Langs also bought two season tickets at Celtic Park for Jack’s friends, so they could spend time together and remember their pal who loved football.