Jean-Christophe Novelli has opened up about his baby son's tragic cancer diagnosis at just ten weeks old, revealing that he has felt "utterly helpless" since hearing the devastating news.
The TV chef and his fiancée Michelle noticed a lump on his neck before being told that their baby son, Valentino, had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. Speaking to the Mirror, Jean-Christophe said: "We found a lump in Valentino's neck and we both went to pieces. There have been nights when I have sat alone, crying, asking God why this has happened to my little boy and not to me. I wish I could change places with him."
Jean-Christophe and Michelle opened up about their baby son's diagnosis
The 55-year-old also spoke about Michael Bublé's three-year-old son Noah, who was also recently diagnosed with cancer. He said: "Valentino is so tiny. You feel utterly helpless. My heart goes out to the Bublés and any other family facing cancer. I used to be scared of my children being snatched. It never occurred to me that they could get cancer. I haven't asked what Valentino's chances of survival are... I don't want to consider that there is even a small chance he'll die."
A spokesperson for Jean-Christophe previously told HELLO!: "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-Christophe has three sons
"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."
Michelle also spoke to the Mirror about her hope for the future. She said: "What's keeping me going is the thought of Valentino walking me down the aisle at our wedding, as a little page boy. That's a nice thought to keep in my head on the darker days."