A weekend of fundraising is ahead for a community which hopes to support a seven-year-old boy diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer.
Liam Roberson, from Brandon, was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) only four weeks ago which, while being the most common kind of liver cancer in adults, only affects around two children every year in the UK.
Despite being treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, the future is uncertain for the Forest Academy pupil as doctors have said chemotherapy alone will not help destroy the tumours.
His aunt, Esther Halls, said: “Liam is usually a bright and bubbly little boy and his mother Sarah is a popular member of the community, so people in Brandon have decided to rally around to show their love and support.
“Sarah is a single mother to both Liam and his nine-year-old sister Chloe, so finances are difficult as now she is not able to work.
“We are hoping to raise funds to help support her and the children through this difficult period.”
The community will be embarking on a two-mile sponsored walk through Brandon Country Park on Saturday followed by a day of raffles, live music and a barbecue at the Five Bells pub on Market Hill.
Throughout the day there will also be a number of fundraising waxes and head shaves in a bid to raise the much-needed cash for Liam and his family.
Mrs Hall added: “It has been a bit of a whirlwind over the past few weeks since he was diagnosed - absolutely crazy.
“But Charlotte Agee at the pub has been brilliant working so hard to bring all this together to help Liam and his mum.
“Because Sarah can’t work now Liam is poorly, this money will help take the pressure off while we are helping him get better.”
According to cancer support charity Macmillan, more children than ever are surviving cancer due to better drugs and treatment.
Liam has also been placed on a trial drug programme at Addenbrooke’s to help combat the tumours.
Are you organising a community event? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk
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