A COURAGEOUS schoolboy battling cancer has inspired a Cheshire village to come together.
Harry Blain, from Byley, was diagnosed with leukemia in July, last year.
The six-year-old immediately underwent intensive treatment and is making good progress as he continues to have chemotherapy at Manchester Royal Children's Hospital.
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Harry’s determination and resilience spurred Mobberley villagers to team up to raise funds.
Cllr Hannah Moss, chairman of Mobberley Parish Council, said: “When a family is faced with such a devastating diagnosis, all you can think is, what can I do, how can I help.
“It’s absolutely turmoil for the family. One minute their little boy is fit and well, and the next he is suddenly in hospital for four weeks.
“We decided to raise as much money as we could for the charity Young Lives Vs Cancer.”
Three special fundraisers were organised by the parish council’s events committee.
Altogether, £1,311 was raised, enough to provide £100 grants to support 13 families during the initial weeks after a child is diagnosed with cancer.
“We received a great response from the village,” said Hannah, a close friend of Harry’s family, and godmother to his four-year-old sister Olivia.
“It has brought sense of community.
“People don’t realise what childhood cancer is.
“We wanted to raise awareness for this amazing charity.
“Harry’s parents Vicky and Craig are so thankful for all this support.”
Businesses in the village rallied round to launch the first event, a Halloween celebration.
Charlie’s provided a fish and chip supper, The Church Inn donated a warm apple punch and the Cricket Club provided a venue.
“The whole village pulled together,” said Hannah. “Businesses donated 30 raffle prizes.
“Harry has attended all the events with his family and he pressed the big button at our Christmas lights switch-on.
“His strength and resilience have been amazing.”
A festive celebration and a senior citizens’ lunch at the Rajar Building raised further funds.
Joe Burns, from Young Lives Vs Cancer attended a meeting last week to thank parish councillors personally for their support.
Harry, a pupil at Lower Peover CE Primary School, continues to undergo treatment.
“It seems unfair for a child of any age to have cancer and go through such trauma,” said Hannah.
“But everything is really positive now for Harry. He is doing well and making progress.
“He is undergoing a long term plan now. It’s all about cure and not treatment.
“He really enjoyed a Mother’s Day gift session with a florist that we organised on Saturday.
“Community is at the heart of a village.
“Harry is an inspirational little ambassador.”
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