THE family and friends of local toddler Alexander Vinson have stepped up their fundraising appeal after finding out that the two year-old’s potentially life-saving treatment will now cost £150,000.
It is hoped that enough can be raised to send Alexander, from Dilton Marsh, to the USA to have proton beam therapy for his brain tumour. The NHS will not offer the treatment, and the original plan to have it done in Europe was unsuccessful.
The family have so far raised over £14,000, with the help of charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer, which has donated £10,000 and is promoting the cause.
Alexander’s mum Raluca said, “I’d like to thank everyone who has helped from the bottom of my heart for all the support given since the beginning of this sad period we are going through.
“Thank you for giving us strength, hope and trust to be able to give Alexander the best chance of having a healthy and normal life.
“So far we have had help from friends who have made everything possible to help us financially, but for now we’re joining forces with the Kids ‘n’ Cancer charity, which helps families in the same situation as ours.”
Alexander was diagnosed with the rare AT/RT brain tumour earlier this year, and has since undergone a combined 16 hours of surgery and is currently receiving chemotherapy.
Parents Phil and Raluca were told that proton beam therapy would give their son the best chance of survival, but they must travel to Oklahoma for the treatment.
With the help of Kids ‘n’ Cancer the family is hoping to raise the £150,000 as soon as possible to secure the best future for their son.
If you would like to donate to the fundraising effort you can do son online at www.justgiving.com/actionforalexander or by cheque payable to Kids n Cancer, which should have ‘Alexander Appeal’ written on the back and sent to Kids ‘n’ Cancer, Unit 1, The Bridge Business Centre, Beresford Way, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 9FG.
