Friends of a brave little boy with a rare brain tumour are holding a festival in his honour so he can make happy memories with his family.
Blaise Nelson was diagnosed with multiple brain tumours last year, including one the size of a satsuma.
Since then, the little schoolboy has endured major surgery, chemotherapy and several rounds of radiotherapy and both his parents have had to quit work to look after him.
The experience has proved tough for mum Rachel, dad Chris and Blaise’s sister Asha, five, and at times the family have struggled to make ends meet.
Keen to make sure Blaise, seven, can make happy memories, friends are fundraising in the hope they can send the little lad on a family holiday.
The free Blaise Together festival will take place at New Burnage Sports Club this Sunday, September 8, to raise money for the Blaise Nelson Fund.
Happy Mondays’ Rowetta and MC Tunes will be among those performing at the festival, which has been described as a ‘love-filled celebration of music, comedy, poetry and family fun.’
Rowetta says: “Blaise’s dad Chris toured with the Mondays in the 90s as part of the Jam MCs, so when we heard about his son’s brave battle, I was happy to come on board and support Blaise Together.
“Chris and his family are going through one of the hardest tests anyone can endure, so any help anyone can give is so welcomed."
The festival will also include a stellar line-up of DJs, a gospel choir, comedians and performers.
A kids’ treasure hunt, glitter face painting, a tombola, yoga, a human fruit machine, rides and other family activities will also be part of the fun.
There is currently no treatment available to cure Blaise's tumours. However his medical team found a trial medication that has now stabilised growth.
It has allowed music and football mad Blaise, from Didsbury, to regain most of his weight, though he still needs a feeding tube.
Has been back Broad Oak Primary School, in Didsbury, since March thanks to a special robot that helps him to communicate with teachers and his classmates.
Blaise has been spending mornings with his sister Asha, five, in the Reception Class before going home to carry on his learning via the AV1 robot.
However this term he will return to studies with his own class.
With his confidence is slowly coming back, Blaise’s family want to give him as many happy memories as possible.
Dad Chris says: “We are really touched by the love and compassion behind this festival and to all our friends who have come forward to create it. This will be a love-filled day of music, comedy, poetry and family fun.
“We hope as many Manchester people as possible come along and join us in a precious day celebrating life and love.
“Due to his health issues he’s unable to travel too far despite his dream to go to Animal Kingdom in Florida but he’s having a lot fun looking at places nearer to home. We just need the funds to make it possible."
The ‘Blaise Together’ fundraiser festival will be held on Saturday September 8 at the New Burnage Sports Club playing fields, between midday and 8pm. Entry is free.
A special fundraiser raffle will be held and all proceeds raised will go towards a special crowd-funder that aims to send Blaise on holiday.
Any local businesses or individuals wishing to offer items or contribute to the festival’s food or entertainment should contact organisers at: cometogether4blaise@gmail.com.
You can donate to the Blaise Together crowdfunder here and find further details here .
