Since he was diagnosed in January 2015 he’s had a bone marrow transplant, fought graft versus host and endured many visits to hospital.

“He was in quarantine for two years,” mum Kimberley said.

The World’s Greatest Shave took on added meaning this year.

Jennie Klein, a year 5-6 teacher, had her head shaved along with teachers aid Belinda Sweeney, last week.

Liam’s teacher Brooke Neal organised the event which raised about $1500. The students, gathered for a school assembly, cheered while they were shaved.

“We get letters all the time to support various causes including this one,” Mrs Neal said.

“We knew it would be really meaningful to do the Greatest Shave this year.”

The Leukaemia Foundation is one of the charities that supported the Boote family through the past two years, along with Red Kite and Camp Quality, including counselling and financial support.

“We didn’t think we would need any of it,” Liam’s father Dean said.

“We used all of it.”

In April 2016 Liam was airlifted to Sydney for follow up surgery. The cells from his graft versus host disease had lodged in his heart.

“He was tachycardic and he had fluid on his lungs,” Mrs Boote said.

“It put our whole life on hold.”

While Liam could attend class a toy monkey took his place.

“The children took turns taking the monkey to class and treated the monkey just like Liam so they wouldn’t forget him,” Mr Boote said.

“The children have been so good. We were petrified about him coming back to school but the students all wash their hands thoroughly to stop him getting sick.”

Mr Boote said it had been emotionally draining.

“We’re coping better this year, compared to last year,” he said.

“We still go to Sydney quite often still.

“The fact is, though, he’s in a pretty good place now.”

The school presented Liam with a gold award last Friday for his friendship to the other students.

“He’s back and so happy, he loves school, loves his teacher and his friends,” Mrs Boote said

“The children and the teachers have been great.”

Don’t remember Liam’s story? refresh your memory here: Shock diagnosis rocks family.