The family of a three-year-old boy diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour have thanked the public after a fundraising drive to send the tot to Germany for live-saving treatment reached its target.
Henry Hall’s dad, former Heathhall man Cameron, said his partner Louise Reed broke down in tears in a supermarket after receiving a single donation of £30,000.
It brought the total amount raised to around £64,000 in just a week, meaning little Henry will be able to receive proton beam therapy at a private clinic in Essen.
Armed Forces veteran Cameron, 30, told the Standard: “I honestly didn’t believe Louise when she told me. It’s amazing and we can’t thank everyone enough for the support and kindness they’ve shown.”
The family will now hopefully travel to Germany following Henry’s next round of chemotherapy which starts on July 12 and will see him admitted to hospital for six weeks.
Henry was diagnosed with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) earlier this year after he fell down the stairs and was rushed to hospital.
The disease, which affects connective tissue, was diagnosed after Cameron and mum Louise Reed began spotting changes in Henry’s mood.
After MRI scans showed cancerous masses he was rushed to hospital and received an operation called a craniotomy to remove up to 95 per cent of the brain tumour.
Due to the dangerous side effects associated with the chemotherapy he’s receiving, the family, who now live in Essex, have been advised that the best treatment is proton beam therapy.
The procedure is not available on the NHS and the family had no choice but to raise £60,000 for private treatment.
Donations immediately started to pour in and this week Cameron’s dad Kenneth, who still lives in Heathhall, was speechless when his boss told him the company would be donating £1,000.
Paul Cullinan, chief executive of StaffSafe based at the Crichton, said: “Kenny’s a very understated, quiet guy and didn’t even tell any of his colleagues about the fundraiser for his grandson.
“I heard from somebody else and the board decided we had to do something to help.
“I just recently became a grandfather myself and it’s absolutely heartbreaking to think what Kenny and the family is going through.
“It just really hit home, so we were delighted to donate £1,000 and will be doing what we can in future to support Henry in gaining the help he urgently needs.”
Delighted Kenny said: “It was a heartwarming gesture and I was gobsmacked.
“I didn’t expect it and I’m so grateful.
“When Henry was diagnosed, it hit the family like a thunderbolt.
“He has a long journey ahead of him but with the help, support and kindness of people, he’ll get there.”
The family say any money left over at the end of Henry’s treatment once he is in remission will be donated to Brain Tumour Research and The Brains Trust Charities.
Henry’s big cousins in Dumfries and Thornhill are also preparing to raise cash.
Six year-old Oliver Jordan, son of Cameron’s sister Rudi-Ann, and five year-old Mila Lockwood, daughter of Cameron’s other sister Bianca, will climb Criffel dressed as superheroes on July 17.
Rudi-Ann said: “They wanted to dress as superheroes as they really think Henry is a superhero for going through so much and still with a smile on his face.”
Cameron’s mum and Henry’s gran, Sian Wilson from Thornhill, added: “Helping to raise money for Henry’s treatment is all we can really do.
“He was discharged home after his latest chemotherapy on Tuesday night and he gave me a wave and a big smile over Facetime.
“He’s happy to be at home with his big brother and sister.
“I’ll be visiting him in a few weeks and I can’t wait to see him.
“We’re so thankful to everyone for supporting Henry.
“I’ve had people stop in the street to give me five pounds or whatever they can spare and that is truly heartwarming.”
The family say any money left over at the end of Henry’s treatment once he is in remission will be donated to Brain Tumour Research and The Brains Trust Charities.
Support the fundraiser for Henry’s Proton Beam Therapy here.
