Heartbreak for celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his fiancee after their eight-week-old son is diagnosed with cancer 

  • Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli's eight-week-old son has cancer
  • Valentino Louis was born in September but parents found lump in his neck
  • Doctors have now found he is suffering from rare Neuroblastoma cancer

Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli's eight-week-old son has been diagnosed with cancer.

The 55-year-old Frenchman and his fiancee Michelle Kennedy, 40, welcomed their third son - Valentino Louis - in September.

However, they found a lump on the newborn's neck last week and doctors have now found he is suffering from Neuroblastoma cancer.

The news comes on the same day that singer Michael Bublé revealed his eldest son Noah, three, has also been diagnosed with cancer.

Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, 55, and his fiancee Michelle, 40 (pictured), have been left devastated after discovering their baby son Valentino has Neuroblastoma cancer

Jean-Christophe has now postponed all of his current work to be at the bedside of his newborn baby.

His spokesman told Hello! magazine: 'Jean-Christophe's priority at this time is supporting his family as they deal with this devastating news, it is still very early days but they remain positive and believe the NHS experts are doing everything possible.

'Jean has had to postpone all his immediate work over the next two weeks to be with his baby and support his family but is grateful for the understanding and support during this very difficult time.'

Jean-Christophe is due to appear at Leicester's Winter Food & Drink Festival on November 20. The market told MailOnline today he had not yet cancelled his appearance. 

Neuroblastoma is a cancer of specialised nerve cells in the nervous system and other tissues. Fewer than 100 children in the UK are diagnosed each year with the disease, and most of them are under five.

It commonly occurs in either one of the two adrenal glands in a child's tummy or in nerve tissue that runs alongside the spinal cord, in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis.

The cancer can spread to tissues beyond the original site, including bone marrow, bone, lymph nodes, liver and skin. 

Jean-Christophe has now postponed all of his current work to be with Michelle and children

Jean-Christophe and Michelle welcomed Valentino Louis - who weighed in at a 6lbs 1oz – in late September.

The baby joined their sons Jean, seven, and Jacques, three, and Jean-Christophe's daughter Christina, 30, from a previous marriage.

In a photo shoot at his 14th century farmhouse in Hertfordshire, which is also his cookery school The Novelli Academy, Jean-Christophe and Michelle looked a picture of happiness as they beamed from ear to ear while cradling adorable Valentino.

Last month, Jean-Christophe told HELLO!: 'I have always wanted three sons and this is the perfect hat-trick. All the ingredients are here for a lovely recipe. It's wonderful to have children.'

'I will be at the traditional retirement age when Valentino is at secondary school but age is not important - I still feel young and I expect I will be running for my bus pass!'

Jean-Christophe admitted that he missed the birth of his son because he was taking his Jacques to his first day of school, at Michelle's request.

Raising hell in the kitchen: Jean-Christophe in an episode of ITV show Hell's Kitchen in 2005

Past love: Jean-Christopher with his first wife Tina and their daughter Christina, who is now 30

He sent his adult daughter Christina in his place and was overjoyed when he heard news of Valentino's birth.

'As soon as he was born at 9am Christina sent me text with a picture. I cried. It was so magical,' he said.

Before the baby was born, the chef dismissed critics who believe he's too old to become a father again, even though he acknowledged that when the new baby is 20, he'll be 75.

The couple, who have been together for 11 years and made some lifestyle changes for the sake of their brood.

Despite his calorific creations in the kitchen, Jean-Christophe said he lives a much healthier lifestlye these days, saying that he doesn't smoke and tries to exercise every day.

Michelle, who accepted Jean-Christophe's proposal in 2007 after two years together, admitted her latest pregnancy was a surprise.

The news comes on the same day that singer Michael Bublé revealed his eldest son Noah, three, has also been diagnosed with cancer. He is pictured with his wife Luisana and children

Earlier today, Michael Bublé announced his son Noah has been diagnosed with cancer.

The singer, 41, and his wife Luisana Lopilato, 29, said in a statement on the model's Facebook page: 'We are devastated by the recent diagnosis of cancer of our oldest son Noah, who is currently receiving treatment in the United States.

'We’ve always talked a lot about the importance of family and the love we have for our children. 

'Luisana and I will devote all our time and attention to help Noah to get better, for now suspending our professional activities.

'During this difficult time, we ask you to pray for him and please respect our privacy.

'We have a long road ahead and we hope that with the support of our family, friends, fans around the world and our faith in God, we can win this battle.'

Argentinian website La Nacion reports that Noah was diagnosed when he visited doctors with a suspected case of mumps. 

RARE CANCER AFFECTS LESS THAN 100 YOUNGSTERS A YEAR

Neuroblastoma is a cancer of specialised nerve cells in the nervous system and other tissues.

Fewer than 100 children in the UK are diagnosed each year with the disease.

Most children diagnosed with the disease are younger than five years old.

It is the second most common solid tumour in childhood, and it makes up 8 per cent of the total number of children's cancers.

Neuroblastoma commonly occurs in either one of the two adrenal glands in a child's tummy or in nerve tissue that runs alongside the spinal cord, in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis.

The cancer can spread to tissues beyond the original site, including bone marrow, bone, lymph nodes, liver and skin.

As with most cancers the cause of neuroblastoma is unknown. 

A neuroblastoma cancer cell in the brain is pictured under the microscope. Fewer than 100 children in the UK are diagnosed each year with this form of cancer

The symptoms vary depending on where a child's tumour is.

The first signs can be vague, and include tiredness, a loss of appetite and pain in the bones.

If the tumour is in a child's tummy, it may be swollen and the child may complain of constipation or have difficulty passing urine.

Where a tumour is growing in a child's chest, they may be breathless and have difficulty swallowing.

Tumours growing in the neck can be visible as a lump, and a child is likely to complain of breathing and swallowing problems.

In cases where a tumour is pressing on the spinal cord, children can experience a weakness in the legs and walk unsteadily.

A variety of tests and investigations may be needed to diagnose neuroblastoma.

Treatment depends on the age of the child, as well as the size and position of the tumour and whether the disease has spread.

Children can have surgery, chemotherapy, as well as antibody treatment and radiotherapy.

Source: Macmillan Cancer Support

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