Community rallies around young Oliver
Dawn Harrison and Melanie Chrzanowski of the Black Bull pub (Birstall). The pub is holding a fundraiser for Oliver Field (a 2-year-old from Huddersfield who suffers from a rare form of cancer). (D505C309)
The family of a two-year-old boy battling a rare and deadly form of cancer say they are humbled by the support from the Birstall community.
Oliver Field, from Huddersfield, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer, when he was just eight months old. He was given the all-clear, only for the tumour to return days before Christmas.
After hearing of Oliver’s plight, part-time music promoter Andrew Roberts put an appeal on Facebook asking for help to arrange a fundraising gig for the little boy.
Mel Chrzanowski, landlord of the Black Bull Inn in Kirkgate, and several Birstall bands including the Mavis Seed offered to help.
Oliver’s mum, Laura, said: “We are humbled by the support we have received with people willing to donate and giving up their own time. You never get over having strangers wanting to help.”
Mel said: “We hold an open mic night the last Friday of every month and get a lot of support from local music acts. Even if we can raise £100, it is money they didn’t have before and could make a huge difference.”
Oliver returned to Leeds General Infirmary this week for chemotherapy after spending a week at home recovering.
Laura said: “The first time round the chemotherapy was really tough on his body. It left his mouth and gut really sore. We are expecting the same this time around.”
Her son will have a scan after the chemotherapy to discover the next step of his treatment.
The family, who have been fundraising since last year, hope to raise £250,000 in case Oliver needs treatment overseas.
The gig is at the Black Bull Inn on Saturday (March 2) from 7pm. Entry is free and raffles and collections will take place through out the evening. Alternatively, donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/Oliver-field-appeal, text OLIF95 (£1-£10) to 70070 or go to www.theoliverfieldappeal.co.uk.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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