Whole town rallies behind seven-year-old Liam after cancer diagnosis
Liam Roberson's parents, Sarah Hills and Matt Roberson, were overwhelmed by the response to the fundraising weekend for their son. Photo Harriet Orrell - Credit: Archant
A family is overwhelmed after their community rallied around them for a weekend of fundraising after their son was diagnosed with cancer.
Sarah Hills and Matt Roberson had their world turned upside down a few weeks ago when they were told their seven-year-old had a type of liver cancer that only presents itself in children once or twice a year.
Since then their families and friends have offered them every ounce of support possible and local barmaid Charlotte Agee organised two massive days of fundraising to help them.
Miss Hills said: “When we walked in today it was so overwhelming, I never expected anything like this.
“They have all come together and this has all happened so quickly since the diagnosis but you go from one day to the next.”
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On Saturday there was a sponsored walk around Brandon Country Park which was followed by a packed day of fundraising at The Five Bells pub in Brandon.
Live music, a BBQ and a cake sale, boasting a life-size bulldog cake which took three days to make, were all on offer in a bid to raise money to support Liam’s family.
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There was a sponsored back wax, a mini funfair and an auction to ensure people were encouraged to donate to the cause.
Mr Roberson said: “The support from everyone is one of the best parts of living in a small town like Brandon.
“We have got everyone’s support and it is really overwhelming and we are really humbled by it all.”
Liam has been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma which is the most common kind of liver cancer in adults but extremely rare in children.
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.”
If you would like to donate to Liam and his family to help support them then visit www.gofundme.com/sfe6g-love-for-liam