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At the age of two, Tristan Smit was diagnosed with a terminal cancer tumour in his brain stem.

This was his second cancer diagnosis, and his parents, Helen and Pierre, were told that he had six weeks to live. The family were advised to keep him pain-free and comfortable, and to say goodbye.

But there was hope in Texas – if only they could get him there for life-saving proton therapy.

The cost was astronomical, but the Angels came together for this boy and his family.

READ: Kevin Jansen van Vuuren: Claiming back his life after a devastating car crash

Tristan celebrated his 17th birthday in April, a living testimony to the power of love and the human spirit.

In this episode of Good Morning Angels: The Legacy, Helen remembers how bravely her little Tristan conquered a battle that no two-year-old should have to fight.

She also recalls, with a lifetime of gratitude, how family, friends and strangers became the Angels who gave him this fighting chance.

Good Morning Angels: The Legacy

Good Morning Angels: The Legacy will revisit some of the people who have benefited from the kindness of strangers since 2005.

They will share, in their own voices, how that moment of light impacted their lives in the most beautiful, sometimes unexpected, and inspiring ways.

Tune in every Monday morning at 08:10 on Breakfast with Martin Bester to hear the Good Morning Angels story—a celebration of 20 years of changed lives, in the voices of those who are living it.

And tune in every Wednesday morning, as we continue to change lives for good.