Family thank Newark business owner after garden makeover in aid of son with cancer
A mum has thanked the heart-warming work of a Newark business owner after he created a play area for her son, who has cancer.
Alexandra Finch, of Newark, said she couldn’t thank Simon Ince enough after he renovated the garden at their family home free of charge.
Simon, of L.R.I Services Ltd, removed the paving from the garden and replaced it with a soft grass area so six-year-old Henry can play outside safely.
“Our son was diagnosed with cancer in October last year, and Simon had been following Henry’s story on Facebook,” said Alexandra.
“He took it upon himself to message me and say that he wanted to do something to help.”
Henry, who was diagnosed with Wilms, a rare kidney cancer that mainly affects children, in 2019, was struggling with leg pains after chemotherapy, and needed a safe place to play.
And while he spent three nights in hospital a fortnight ago, Simon completed the makeover job as a welcome home surprise.
“He bought a load of games for him to play as well, and it was all off his own back,” said Alexandra. “It is just so nice.”
Henry is on his second combination of chemotherapy, which is due to last 34 weeks. So far, he has completed 29 weeks.
“We had to be on it every time he wanted to play in the garden. We couldn’t step away from him, even for a second, and that isn’t what a six year old wants,” said Alexandra.
“He just wants to play and run around.”
The new-look garden has also brought him closer to his eight-year-old sister, Molly.
“She has been trying her hardest to support him, but he has shut down to a lot of people,” Alexandra said.
“She wants to help and be the big sister, but he doesn’t always let her.
“But to say we have only had the grass down since Friday, the amount they have played together since has been nice.”