My Story

It is with sadness that I have recently had to update my fundraising story.

In October 2020, Freddie, my grandson, a typical, loveable, inquisitive and innocent 3 year old became unwell, after several doctors appointments he was admitted to Manchester Royal Childrens Hospital with what was believed to be Quinsi es (an abscess of the tonsils). Freddie was prepared for surgery, unfortunately it was realised that he had a tumour. 

Freddie was put into an induced coma and placed on a ventilator. O ver the next week or so Freddie had many tests and scans.

He was diagnosed with a "Rhabdomyosarcoma" a very rare cancer, surgery wasn't a consideration and a treatment plan was put in place. Throughout the following months Freddie has 8 major sessions of Chemo, 28 sessions of proton beam threrapy, all on consecutive days, each with a general anesthetic, he had numerous blood transfusions and several operations.

In May of this year Freddie had a scan and the doctors indicated that the result was as good as they could of hoped for and plans were put in place for 12 months of maintenance Chemo. Then in June Freddie became unwell again he was admitted back into hospital with another tumour. After 6 weeks of being in intensive care, on July 31st 2021, Freddie lost his battle to this extremely cruel illness and sadly passed away.

Freddies Mum and Dad remained at his bedside for the first month of his illness, they attended the hospital several times each week, and again were at Freddies bedside for the last 6 weeks of his life.

This illness without doubt affects famililies in a huge way, without the support of the Cancer Charities it would be impossible for some families to be with their children around the clock when a child needs its parents most.

Freddies Mum and Dad stayed in a room in the hospital grounds for 6 full weeks, they havent been able to work, they have slept, eaten and drank never leaving Freddie. 

Young Lives vs Cancer has been there for Freddie and for his Mum and Dad, as they are for very many other poorly children and their families. Thats why in October I will be running the Manchester Marathon and raising funds for their charity.

Its the least I can do to help give something back to those that help others.

Prior to Freddies illness in the many family  photos that were sent to us , he would do a "thumbs up" gesture  showing his cheeky  mischievous manner,  the photo in this fundraising page shows how he continued to to this at  a very difficult     time. Freddie was Brave and Courageous throughout his illness and we will miss him always and love him forever.

If you can help in any small way to support this charity, your help will be very much appreciated.           

Thank you Des