The family of a West Leeds girl jetting off to America for lifesaving cancer treatment say they have been overwhelmed by people’s response to their fundraising appeal.
As reported by the Dispatch, Whingate Primary School pupil Anya Morris has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour known as a chordoma. Proton therapy to hopefully cure the six-year-old of this is only available in America. Dad Graham, his wife Karen, Anya and siblings Erin and Oscar are shortly due to fly out to Oklahoma for three to four months while Anya undergoes treatment.
The family’s appeal for help has been met by generous Dispatch readers, who rallied around and helped raise an extra £1,000 to help support the family while they’re in America. That raised the overall total to £3,370.
Although flights and accommodation for Anya and her parents are funded by the NHS, the family has to pay substantial living costs – as well as the cost of bringing their other two children.
Family friend Samantha Stewart helped with the fundraising and has thanked everyone who had donated so generously just before Christmas. She said:
“Anya’s family are overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who has donated.
“One woman donated money that was left over from donations she had received after her child returned from similar treatment.”
Black tie dinner and Anya’s Ball
Another friend, Stephen Owen, has organised a fundraising black tie dinner featuring rugby stars Jamie Peacock and Sam Tomkins.
Several other sports stars will also be in attendance and there will also be a performance from a top comedian, as well as a raffle and auction where some fantastic prizes will be up for grabs.
The event will be held at the South Leeds stadium on January 29. Tickets are still available and can be bought for £35 per person or £350 for a table of 10. Check out Anya’s Facebook page for more details.
First prize on the raffle at Anya’s Ball will be flights for two to Las Vegas complete with 7 nights stay at the 5* Bellagio hotel and $1,000 spending money.