Reggie’s Story  

 On 27th February 2026, our world changed forever. Our beautiful little boy, Reggie, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. Further testing showed that his cancer was MYCN amplified, making it a high-risk form of neuroblastoma requiring some of the most intensive treatment available. At the time of his diagnosis, Reggie was just three years old. No family ever expects to hear the words, “your child has cancer.” One moment we were living our normal lives, and the next we were trying to understand scans, blood results, biopsies, treatment plans and survival statistics that no parent or family member should ever have to learn. Reggie’s cancer had already spread, meaning he needed to begin treatment almost immediately. On 12th March 2026, Reggie started his first cycle of induction chemotherapy. What followed has been months of hospital admissions, procedures, MRI scans, MIBG scans, biopsies, blood tests and treatments that most adults would struggle to endure, yet Reggie has faced them with a bravery far beyond his years. Throughout his journey, Reggie has undergone stem cell harvesting after having a dual-lumen line inserted into his neck, blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, countless medications and procedures, and has spent long periods in isolation because his immune system became so weak that even the smallest illness could become life-threatening. Eating also became a battle. Reggie required a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube to ensure he received the nutrition his body desperately needed. Like many young children, he didn’t always tolerate it well, and it has had to be replaced on more than one occasion. The specialist plasters needed to keep the tube secure on his face, along with adhesive removal spray to make changing them less painful, have become part of everyday life. Despite everything, chemotherapy has shown positive signs. Some of Reggie’s tumours have shrunk, with the smaller tumours responding particularly well. Although his largest tumour has been slower to respond, seeing the treatment work has given our family hope during the darkest of times. One of the hardest moments came when Reggie celebrated his 4th birthday whilst beginning intensive chemotherapy. Instead of spending his birthday at home surrounded by family and friends, he was preparing for one of the toughest phases of his treatment. His treatment plan spans around 18 months and includes induction chemotherapy, surgery, high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Every stage brings new challenges, new risks and new uncertainty. Even after treatment, high-risk neuroblastoma carries a significant risk of relapse, meaning the fight continues long after chemotherapy ends. Cancer doesn’t just affect the child. It affects the whole family. It brings endless hospital journeys, parking charges, fuel costs, accommodation, time away from work, emotional exhaustion and financial pressures that most people never see. To help support Reggie and raise awareness of childhood cancer, Roaring for Reggie was created. Inspired by Reggie’s love of dinosaurs, Roaring for Reggie has become so much more than a fundraiser. It has become a community of people standing beside one brave little boy and his family through the biggest battle of their lives. Every fundraiser, raffle, charity night, sponsored challenge, bucket collection and donation helps ease the burden on the family. The money raised helps towards travel to and from hospital, fuel, parking, accommodation when needed, meals away from home, specialist plasters to secure Reggie’s NG tube on his face, adhesive removal spray, clothing that fits comfortably around his Hickman line, little comforts such as toys and dinosaurs that help him smile through the hardest days, and so much more. It allows the family to focus on what matters most—being there for Reggie. The support we have received has also allowed us to give something back. We are incredibly proud to have donated £500 to PACT, Reggie’s cancer ward, to help support the children, families and staff who rely on it every day. But our mission doesn’t stop there. Roaring for Reggie is committed not only to supporting Reggie’s journey but also to helping other children and families facing childhood cancer. We are continually developing new fundraising initiatives to support PACT, and I am currently hand-making a special project that I hope will raise even more awareness and vital funds for the ward. One incredible fundraising challenge saw four supporters take on a 52-mile walk across the Edale Skyline in the Peak District. Battling relentless rain, flooded campsites and near-hypothermic conditions, they completed an incredible 37 miles before having to stop for safety, with the remaining 15 miles to be completed when conditions allow. Along the route, many people stopped to ask about Reggie, helping spread awareness of childhood cancer and his journey. Throughout everything, Reggie continues to amaze us. He still smiles. He still laughs. He still loves dinosaurs. Even after months of hospitals, chemotherapy, feeding tubes, transfusions and procedures, he continues to show a strength that inspires everyone around him. Every share, every donation, every fundraiser, every mile walked and every message of support reminds us that we are not fighting this battle alone. Neuroblastoma is rare, but for the families living through it, it changes everything. Reggie is so much more than his diagnosis. He is a funny, cheeky, dinosaur-loving little boy with the biggest smile and the bravest heart. His journey is far from over, but neither is the love, support and determination surrounding him. We will continue roaring for Reggie every step of the way—raising awareness, supporting families, giving back to PACT, and fighting alongside Reggie until no child has to face this cruel disease alone.