Overwhelmed by generosity

The family of a little boy with an incurable brain tumour say the kindness and generosity from the community has been amazing.

An appeal to raise money for any treatments that might help Liam Andrew, 5, of Beacon Heights, Newark, has reached £140,000 in three months.

The target was originally set at £500,000 but the new aim is to raise £300,000 after narrowing down treatment options.

Liam’s mother, Amanda Ferguson, said they felt the target was more achievable.

“We are almost halfway there already,” she said.

“With the support we have, we feel confident we can smash that target.”

She said fundraising and time given by businesses, schools and individuals so far had been fantastic.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “People have just kept giving.”

Amanda said the kindness shown by so many people had made them realise what a close-knit and caring community Newark was.

“People here look out for each other. I am so glad we live here and not in some faceless city,” she said.

Liam has a rare cancerous tumour called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Giloma (DIPG). It is highly aggressive and difficult to treat.

He has finished a course of radiotherapy at Nottingham City Hospital and will return to the hospital tomorrow for an MRI scan to see if the tumour has shrunk.

Liam is also taking part in a new clinical trial — Biological Medicine for Diffuse Instrinsic Pontine Glioma Eradication — that could possibly stop the growth of the tumour.

His medical records have been sent to private clinics around the world in the hope of getting a treatment that can prolong his life, and ensure its quality too.

Little Liam’s Trust has been set up by Newark solicitors Larken and Co.

Money in the trust will be used for any treatments that might help Liam alongside giving him memorable experiences. Anything not needed will go towards funding brain tumour research.

Liam has recently been in and out of hospital suffering from sickness.

Now he is home he and his family are having a healthy diet with the help of Kitchen 52 in Newark.

They are also planning to get extra physiotherapy to help his mobility.

Amanda said when Liam’s tumour was diagnosed it had been hard to take in.

“You see these stories and sympathise and feel sad,” she said

“You never think it is going to happen to you.

“It is like winning the worst lottery in the world.”