Charity Christmas Appeal - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Charity Christmas Appeal – A LOCAL nurse is hoping to raise awareness of childhood cancer signs and symptoms, and the help they received from a Leigh charity, after her son was diagnosed two weeks before Christmas.

Charity Christmas Appeal - A LOCAL nurse is hoping to raise awareness of childhood cancer signs and symptoms, and the help they received from a Leigh charity, after her son was diagnosed two weeks before Christmas.

A LOCAL nurse is hoping to raise awareness of childhood cancer signs and symptoms, and the help they received from a Leigh charity, after her son was diagnosed two weeks before Christmas.

George, now nine, first developed a small lump on his foot and his GP thought it was a blister or caused by pressure from scooting, but later found following tests that he had soft tissue sarcoma – a form of bone cancer.

One week before Christmas 2021, George started chemotherapy at University College London Hospital.

George’s mother, Danielle, explains: “It was devastating up on the ward seeing all the children with cancer. The things you worry about day-to-day all wash away.”

George had surgery to have two toes removed, but the chemotherapy was only 50% effective, so he had his foot amputated just below the shin in December 2022.

He now wears two prosthetics – one is a normal foot and the other is a running blade – and enjoys sports and football.

His family have been supported by Leigh children’s cancer support charity Gold Geese since a few months after he was diagnosed.

Danielle added: “The charity paid for us to have a trip to Legoland. It was really good for the kids, especially for George’s brother, to be distracted and get spoilt for a little while.

“We also came to the Gold Geese Christmas grotto twice and Gold Geese bought George a big box of Lego after he had an operation, so he had something distracting to do while he was immobile.”

Katie Southgate, founder and CEO of Gold Geese said: “Every year we support families at Christmas and beyond with gifts, experiences, counselling and cost of living help.

“This wouldn’t be possible without our amazing community’s generosity and we’re incredibly grateful.

“Times are tight, but we’re asking people who are able, to help us bring some extra sparkle and joy to children in hospital this Christmas, by donating £10 to Gold Geese.

“This will help us purchase decorations, toys and treats to brighten up a child’s hospital stay this Christmas at Southend, Basildon and Broomfield Hospitals.”

To donate or to find out more about Gold Geese visit www.goldgeese.org.

Picture: George in hospital at Christmas

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