Get well soon Gideon

Four year old super-hero Gideon Christie is currently experiencing an intense course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, after receiving life-saving brain surgery back in March 2019.

His parents, Al Christie and Suzanne King have had to put their normal lives on hold to look after their son, and whilst their savings are absorbing with the current costs and expenditures, these are (sadly) not an infinite resource.

In practical terms, whilst Gideon is having this intense treatment (lasting for the next six months or so), neither Al nor Suzy will be able to work their normal jobs and will instead be relying on Statutory Sick Pay and probably a little Disability Living Allowance when Gideon's lengthy claim process eventually goes through. Al is hoping that after this six months is finished one or both parents will be able to continue working again to cover their household costs.

On a very rare night of relaxation (only his second since this whole situation began!) whilst gaming with Al, a group of us asked if he would object to his friends starting this campaign to see if we could help ensure that "financial worries" don't replace "looking after their son" as the family's biggest concern. Al doesn't like to ask for help, but where his son's welfare is concerned he doesn't hesitate to gratefully accept our support.

Any money raised in this campaign will be given directly to Al and Suzy, to be used as they see fit. I know basic things like food and mortgage will be their natural first call, however Al has asked that some of it might also be used to buy the odd small distraction or treat for Gideon too. This makes a big difference to a four year old, and can easily be what has to be sacrificed when finances get tight.

Al has also been very open that they are not yet on a financial cliff edge: their mortgage is their sole debt and they still have some dwindling savings in their account, but as a team we would rather ask now than wait until the bank account is empty. We know Al and Suzy are juggling a lot of big uncertainties right now, have had some unexpected costs, and often need to fund daily trips to hospital, and we believe a little financial support from friends will go a long way at this time in relieving that pressure.