SIBLINGS Aleze 10 and Saul 13 have hosted a fundraising day in aid of brain tumour research to mark 10 years since their dad's diagnosis.
Aleze and Saul Patterson from Ashton-in-Makerfield raised £345 on Saturday, February 9, at a fundraising event at Sam's Dry Bar Eatery with the proceeds split between the Brain Tumour Research and SAMS Armed Forces Hub.
The brother and sister were motivated by their dad Chris Patterson who was diagnosed in January 2009 after suffering a seizure at work.
There was a high risk of paralysis if Chris opted for surgery so he decided to ‘watch and wait’ and, with his wife Gemma, they focused on a happy family life with Aleze and Saul.
A decade on, however, Chris has regular seizures and recent scans have found two more brain tumours.
Less than 20 per cent of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50 per cent across all cancers.
Gemma, who cares for Chris full-time, said: “Aleze and Saul are so caring and they amaze me with their determination to fundraise. They organised a fantastic day and Chris and I are extremely proud of them.
"No child should have to grow up worrying about their parents’ health and I hope by the time they’re adults, we will be much closer to a cure for this horrible disease.”
In the lead up to the big day, the pair plastered posters around town and in their front window, handed out invites, advertised on Facebook and received raffle prizes from the likes of Everton Football Club, rugby star Phil Vickery’s Raging Bull Clothing, and East Lancashire Railway. A tombola, face painting, and food and drink also kept people entertained on the day.
Andrea Pankiw, community fundraising manager for Brain Tumour Research in the North West, added: “Aleze and Saul are such thoughtful kids and we’re delighted that they have chosen to support Brain Tumour Research.
"They are an inspiration to us all and prove that anyone and everyone can do something to support research into this awful disease.
"We’re extremely pleased to hear that Chris has defied the odds and lived beyond five years and we wish him all the best”
To donate go to braintumourresearch.org/donation/donate-now
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