EC Business Solutions are proud to be fundraising for the
Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation on Friday the 1st of October. Donations
to the Great North Children's Hospital Foundation support the many children and
their families who come to our hospital for treatment and care, making their
experience the best it possibly can be. Innovations that really make a
difference to our patients and staff including life changing research,
cutting-edge equipment and technology are funded by donations along with
initiatives to support the wellbeing and development of our staff. Evidence
shows that children have a quicker recovery when they are in an environment
they enjoy and we strive to make GNCH as welcoming and friendly as it can be.
We’ll be holding several different events throughout the day for a great cause
including: -

*             James Bolam leg & chest wax

*             Cake/Bake Sales

*             Raffles

*             Chilli eating competition

Recently, 3 members of our staff and their
families/friends have had their lives turned upside down with news no child and
their parents should have to hear or go through. Devastatingly Donna Wrights
family friend’s son Ethan tragically passed away from Rhabdomyosarcoma on the
5th of August aged 9. Weeks later Hannah Cape’s 11-month-old son Jordan-Lee was
diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on the 21^st of August
and then 6 days later James Bolam’s 9-year-old nephew Alfie was diagnosed with
Ewing Sarcoma, all in one office, to say as colleagues and friends we were
shocked and devastated was an understatement. One thing I’ve certainly learned
over the past few weeks is how children are the most brave and resilient people
on earth.

All 3 families agree the GNCH were and have been
phenomenal with the care and support all the kids and families have received
and continue to receive through these difficult times. Their stories are below,
PLEASE feel free to donate as little or as much as you can, it’s greatly
appreciated and of course THANK YOU!

Ethan’s Story

On the 2^nd of December, Ethan was diagnosed with
a rare form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma when he was taken to the dentist
with what we thought was an abscess!  He transpired that had a large
tumour in his head as well as a large tumour attached to his spine. 
Further tests showed the cancer had also spread to his lungs and his bone
marrow.  Despite the challenges, Ethan fought every step of the way,
laughing and smiling all the way through his chemotherapy and radiotherapy – he
was an inspiration!

Ethan remained in hospital for 69 days after he completed
his treatment.  Scans showed no signs of the cancer in his face, spine,
lungs and bone marrow and his diagnoses was looking positive.  The team at
the RVI were outstanding in encouraging him to eat and drink, to regain weight
and go home to his family.  Despite all attempts he continued to get
poorly.  One morning he woke up and we discovered he had gone blind…again
he didn’t complain, he just said ‘I thought daddy hadn’t opened the curtains
today!’  They completed tests and explored why he continued to get sick
and discovered the heart-wrenching news that the cancer had evolved in his
brain – and perhaps had been laying dominant during the treatment.  He was
allowed to go home to celebrate his up-and-coming 9^th birthday with
his family and friends and sadly, on 5^th August 21 he passed away
peacefully with his family by his side.

Throughout the whole time the staff and teams at the RVI
were and continue to be outstanding!  They save so many lives, but
occasionally despite their best efforts, not everyone can be saved.  We
would like to raise money to support the amazing work they do at the RVI, as
sadly there are too many children and families suffering now.

Jordan-Lee’s Story

Jordan-Lee Cape, born 23.09.20 who lives with his Mammy,
Daddy and 2 doggy brothers is currently fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia,
he got taken to Sunderland hospital for blood tests on 21.08.21 it was there
his parents found out he had Leukaemia, he got rushed to RVI in an ambulance to
be in the best place possible, on 24.08.21 was when his parents found out it
was Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. On Saturday 28.08.21 Jordan-Lee tests
positive for RSV flu and it took all his energy away and almost stopped him
breathing, he ended up in intensive care on 07.09.21 battling RSV but bounced
back by the help of the strong antibiotics he was given, since Jordan-Lee got
out of ICU he has made unbelievable progress going forward fighting Cancer
& RSV, he’s currently coming to the end of his first 5 weeks of intense
hospital chemo and is due home Monday 28.09.21 to continue the intense period
of chemo. Jordan-Lee’s intense chemo lasts for the first 6 month, but he will
be having chemo for 3 years, just not as intense after 6 months, he’s doing
incredible and has a very good chance of beating this as his body as reacted
perfect to the chemo.

Alfie’s Story

A little over 3 weeks ago we were given the devastating
blow that our hilariously funny, cheeky, kind, caring, beautiful blue eyed boy
Alfie has cancer. He’s so unbelievably brave and we are so proud of everything
he’s been through so far, even staying awake from the biopsy he had on his
spine to his first lot of chemo.

To say our world has been turned upside down and
shattered into pieces is an understatement, I don’t think there’s enough words
to describe it all.

Alf’s only symptom has been a bad back which his GP
wasn’t really interested in but as parents we knew it needed investigated so a
trip to A&E, various scans, and a biopsy later, here we are. Alfie was
admitted into the RVI yesterday for a couple more tests and an operation to get
his line in his chest ready to start his chemo. Doctors so far seem very
confident it’s been caught early, and they can get him better which is amazing,
but he’s got the toughest journey of his life ahead of him so please everyone
send him all your love, prayers and positive energy and we’ll show him it all
to help get him through.

Also, we’d like to thank everyone for their love, help
and support for him so far (and us) it really does mean so much!

You’ve got this Alfie!!

**Disclaimer**

This is an independent fundraiser created by EC Business
Solutions and is in no way organised by the charity itself. All participants
have agreed to and signed a disclaimer.