Hi Boro fans, it’s Matt again. I’m writing with an update on my brave nephew Henry. You will probably remember that we reached out just over six months ago to bring attention to two-year-old Henry’s fight against neuroblastoma, a very rare form of cancer.
The response from Boro supporters and the wider Teesside community was absolutely overwhelming. To date, the GoFundMe fundraising page stands at over £35,000, and with other private donations is closer to £40,000. We can’t thank you all enough for this incredible show of support.
We were also lucky enough to bring Henry to his first match at the Riverside (pictured, with dad Patrick), where he was introduced to the crowd and smiled and waved as they gave him a rapturous applause. It was a truly amazing day for the family, and one we won’t ever forget.
We have, though, had some unwelcome news in the past few weeks. A little more than a year on from his initial diagnosis, we hoped and prayed that Henry would now be on the road to a full recovery. Sadly, Henry has relapsed, with scans picking up a return of the cancer in his body.
As you can imagine, after glimpsing light at the end of the tunnel following months of gruelling chemotherapy, it’s been a cruel blow.
But Henry keeps on fighting, and that drives us all on. The medical staff have been so supportive from the outset, and Henry is now undergoing further chemo; a different type as they try to attack the cancer and eradicate it however possible.
The path ahead is unclear and potentially complex, so with normal life on hold again things are very much being taken day by day. There’s no standard plan or protocol beyond this point, so having that fundraising behind them is a massive boost to Henry and his family as treatments elsewhere may be considered.
As ever, Henry is an inspiration; brave, smiling, and loving. Please keep him in your thoughts, as the support we’ve had has made a huge impact, and means ever so much.
In the meantime, the marathon which I pledged to run when we first began fundraising is rapidly approaching - the Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday 20 October.
The fundraising page remains open and if you would like to make a donation, please visit the link below. As ever, all donations are hugely appreciated.