AN INVERKEITHING soldier's three-year-old son is fighting leukaemia after a shock emergency dentist appointment.

Martin Hampson and his family's life was turned upside down just five weeks ago after learning that Kaylan has blood cancer.

The discovery was made when Martin took his son to the hospital for the dental appointment.

Kaylan had been suffering from a swollen mouth and one of his teeth was infected.

"We're still in shock really," Martin, aged 21, told the Press.

"The doctors tried to take blood from him at the appointment at the Victoria Hospital but they couldn't because his blood levels were so low.

"That's when my little boy was diagnosed.

"He was transferred to the Sick Kids in Edinburgh and it has been all-go with treatment since then.

"He's started chemo and he'll be doing that for the next three years.

"It's just heartbreaking to see him attached to all these tubes."

Martin grew up in Inverkeithing and joined the army in 2017. He is based in Edinburgh and belongs to the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Five Scots Balaklava company.

He should be deployed abroad currently but, due to the difficult family circumstances, the army is giving the young dad time to be with Kaylan.

Kaylan lives in Cardenden with his mum, Chelsea, and went to the village's nursery before his diagnosis.

"I'm still young myself and it's hard not knowing what the future holds," Martin added.

"It's the first time I've ever experienced cancer and that's what makes it hard because Kaylan is so young.

"We cannot explain to him what's going on, even though he knows he is ill.

"We did notice that he had started to get bruises but leukaemia is never what I thought it would be so it's just a shock."

Inspired by all the support the family has received, Martin has organised a charity match to raise money for the Sick Kids cancer ward.

His partner, Ashleigh Williams, has also organised a sponsored walk over the Forth Road Bridge.

Martin added: "They've been a big help to me, Kaylan and his mum.

"So many people have also been asking how they can support us.

"My army football team are coming to help and I'm also part of Kennoway Hearts.

"Kaylan loves football and he's always coming to watch me play so my plan is that he'll come on a sub for me in the last few minutes and score a goal!"

The football match will take place on March 21 at Bayview Stadium at 1pm.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/s/charity-11-a-side-football-mat/239309513751628/ for more information.