SA boy Tom Lawrence, 5, bakes before every hospital visit as a coping mechanism as he battles cancer

Tom was a healthy little boy with a bit of a cold before a cancer diagnosis blindsided his family but an unexpected ritual is helping him through the battle.

A five-year-old has turned a cancer battle into a heartwarming adventure – baking his way through every medical visit.

In May last year, Morgan and Rod Lawrence’s world was turned upside down when Tom was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, just days after his birthday.

“It totally rocked our world,” Ms Lawrence said.

Tom Lawrence, now 5 years old, has used baking as a coping mechanism to get through the worst days during his cancer battle. Picture: Supplied

Tom Lawrence loves to bake. Picture: GoFundMe

“Our hearts were broken because we had this completely healthy little boy with a bit of a cold, and here we were being told this life-changing diagnosis”

Ms Lawrence, a 35-year-old schoolteacher, said there were no symptoms that ever suggested anything was wrong.

“I’ve looked back on photos, I’ve spoken to people to see if they had any warning signs – there was nothing,” she said.

“So completely, it took us by surprise and it was shattering.”

The Lyndoch family credit surviving a “tough” year with the support of the village behind them – Tom’s grandparents, their friends and the support from Childhood Cancer Association.

Tom has found comfort in baking before every hospital visit, swapping the playgrounds for the kitchen.

“We’ve baked over 50 different things,” Ms Lawrence said. Picture: Supplied

Ms Lawrence said there were no symptoms that ever suggested anything was wrong. Picture: Supplied

“We’ve baked over 50 different things,” Ms Lawrence said. “It’s something slow we can do together, and it had a bit of meaning to it.”

The little chef’s creations have become a hit at the oncology ward – from cupcakes to cookies, fudge to cakes.

“He was quite nervous about going to kindy and then after, he’s like, “Mum, I want to bake for my kindy friends”,” Ms Lawrence said.

Baking has become a fun coping mechanism for the five -year-old, who has his own little chef’s hat and apron.

“It’s really helped us bond with the team there as well,” she said.

“Any way that we could show our gratitude … they are a special bunch of people up there.”

A GoFundMe site was set up by Ms Lawrence’s best friend Megan Birch, 40, who said she was “devastated” to hear about Tom’s diagnosis last year.

Ms Lawrence said the support has floored the family. Picture: Supplied

Tom with MAddie, 8 and Sophie, 10. Picture: GoFundMe

“When Morgan told me about (Tom’s) blood work, I had a sinking feeling,” Ms Birch said. “When it was confirmed, it felt like my own child had been diagnosed.”

With a year left for Tom’s treatment, Ms Birch decided to raise funds along with other mums in the community.

“All of the (Lawrence) family are just so positive and always see the good in things,” she said.

“No matter what their situation, they just keep on pushing through with smiles and, I don’t know how I myself would be able to handle what they go through.”

Ms Lawrence said she had been floored by the support they received.

“I feel a bit of impostor syndrome,” Ms Lawrence said.

“I know there’s people that are worse off, but we’re still so grateful for everyone’s kindness.”

If you’d like to help, you can do so here.