Support Henry's Cancer Treatment

My name is Matt, and I’m one of the Boro admins.

 

I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy some incredible moments with Middlesbrough FC; promotion, the ecstasy and the agony of the play-offs, those nights against Man United, Spurs, and Chelsea. In my experience, these moments are all the more special because they bring us all together, and that is a powerful thing.

 

With that in mind, and if you’ve got a minute, I’d love to introduce you to my nephew Henry. Henry is two years old and already a real character. He loves dinosaurs and cars, and, of course, he’s a Boro fan too.

 

Our family was devastated last September by the news that Henry had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. You may have heard of it before, as it’s the illness that claimed the life of brave Bradley Lowery. A cancer that specifically affects children, around 100 are diagnosed with the condition each year in the UK.

 

At time of writing, and after an initial six rounds of chemotherapy, Henry has just underdone ‘high-dose’ treatment on the cancer in his body. It’s nasty, aggressive stuff, effectively wiping out the immune system along with it. Henry’s quite poorly as a result, and may well be for some weeks yet. Despite it all, he’s smiling, full of fun, and I’m so proud to be his uncle.

 

For my brother Patrick and his partner Sophie, journeys back and forth to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle have quickly become the day-to-day norm. They really are coping so well, especially as there was the arrival of Henry’s sister, Annabel, in December!

 

I’ve found it’s easy to feel powerless watching those close to you go through these struggles. But fundraising, I thought, that I can have a crack at. There could be a long road ahead for Henry’s treatment, and it can become expensive depending on where that road leads.

In January I started doing a bit of running, and along with another of my brothers, Anth, I’ll be taking on a marathon later this year. Having dragged myself round the Middlesbrough Half Marathon last Sunday (and I mean dragged), I’ve no doubt it’ll be a hell of a grind. But it pales into insignificance when I think of Henry, his parents, and all they are going through.

 

If you feel able to, any donation you can make to sponsor our run and support Henry would be gratefully received. We of course understand that money isn’t easy to come by, and all donations are hugely appreciated.

 

Please keep Henry in your thoughts, and I’ll keep you updated too.

 

Thank you, and always, up the Boro.