Family Appeal For Terminally Ill Son

A heartbroken family have set up a fund to support their 5-year-old son, who's terminally ill with a rare form of brain cancer.

David was diagnosed with Defuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (Dip-G), a rare tumour in the brain stem, in September. The condition means that he only has between 9 and 12 months left to live.

His parents, from Burton near Christchurch, have both given up their jobs and they want to make sure he enjoys his last few months - and also support other families in the same situation.

They've set up the Red Ranger Fund, named after their son's favourite Power Ranger. The family wish their identity to be protected as they do not want their son to be frightened with the knowledge of how serious his illness is, and they want him to enjoy the time he has left.

David has started six weeks of radiotherapy treatment which, if successful, will put him in what is known as a 'honeymoon' period. That will mean he'll recover enough to enjoy the activities his parents are planning for him, hopefully for two months.

Following this, his health is expected to deteriorate rapidly.

David's aunt Micaela told Heart:

"He's a darling, he really is the most selfless little boy you could ever wish to meet. He's always hugging you and always holding you close. There's always a sparkle in his eye. My sisters and I and my sister-in-law are all trying to help in the best way possible to make him happy every time we see him.

"We couldn't just sit here and watch his time passing away. The Red Ranger Fund was set up because he liked the Red Ranger, it's his favourite toy. I know people have been affected by their children getting cancer, I mean it's just terrible. You can't express the words.

"It's like my nephew's father, he wants to fix it, my sister weants to fix it but we can't fix it. There's nothing that we can do apart from this, making it easier for them, making it magical for them, making it a legacy that he can leave to all of us to raise awareness for childhood cancer and paediatric brain tumours".

Several events are planned to raise funds over the coming months.

A Christmas Charity Sale will be held on Saturday November 20th at the Children's Centre in Somerford from 10am-6pm.

A Fun Run is also planned from Bournemouth Pier to Alum Chine and back on December the 12th

Find out more at www.theredrangerfund.co.uk