Cash boost bid for battle to save Charlie

Buttons & Bows Private Day Nursery in Atherton is holding the event on June 11 and will donate all the proceeds to Charlie Taylor, who is currently receiving treatment for neuroblastoma.

So far an impressive £11,000 has been raised to help the four-year-old, who lives in Leigh with mum Charlotte Marriott and sister Grace.

The money will help his family cover the cost of a trip to the US as it is likely the he will need to go there at some point for treatment that could save, or at least prolong, his life.

Charlie, who is autistic and has ADHD, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma last year and, despite several rounds of high-dose chemotherapy, his last tests found the cancer remained in his bone marrow.

To make matters worse Charlie’s reaction has meant he has been taken off a treatment trial and will not be able to have immunotherapy in the UK, his aunt Natasha Marriott confirmed.

Charlie is home at the moment but he will soon begin radiotherapy at The Christie.

Natasha said: “After the radiotherapy Charlie will be tested again. If clear of the cancer he will be able to have immunotherapy in America so the money would pay for the treatment and getting him there. If the cancer hasn’t gone we will look at treatments in America that will prolong his life by keeping the cancer where it is. Because of the nature of neuroblastoma, tumours can pop up anywhere, but by keeping the cancer contained Charlie will live longer.”

The money so far has been raised through donations, charity events and the efforts of individuals who have run marathons or taken part in bike rides.

Natasha said: “We have just been overwhelmed. We are a small family and the community has just come together to help support us. So many people have got in touch to offer support, donate or volunteer to do something for us. But there is still a long way to go. We are organising a Bush Tucker trial at Yates in Leigh but we haven’t got a date confirmed yet.”

Buttons & Bows, which is in Hamilton Street, has an array of family activities planned between 10am and 2pm including face-painting, balloon-modelling and wet sponge-throwing.

For more information about the fete call Emma Aitken on 0161 320 2750 or to find out more about Charlie, visit the Hand in Hand with Charlie Facebook page or justgiving.com/charlie-taylorappeal/.