Six-year-old superhero helps raise more than £30,000 for Bristol Children’s Hospital
By Charities Correspondent
A six-year-old Bristol boy has helped raise more than £30,000 for Bristol Children’s Hospital, where his three-year-old sister is being treated for a rare brain tumour.
Teddy Brimble started the fundraising in May by taking part in the Great Bristol Mini Run with 11 of his friends.
Since then, family and friends have joined in, with Lucia’s grandad organising a race night, her aunt running a half marathon and others taking on long-distance walks and runs.
Together they have raised £30,774.55, smashing their original £20,000 target.
Teddy and members of his family recently visited Starlight Ward, where Lucia has been cared for, to present the cheque to The Grand Appeal, the charity supporting Bristol Children’s Hospital.
The money will help buy a new PBM machine, which uses LED light to target damaged tissue and ease some of the side effects of chemotherapy.
It will also support the hospital’s neurosurgery team.
Becca Sharp, Events Fundraising Manager at The Grand Appeal, said:
“Raising more than £30,000 is an extraordinary achievement at any age, but to see such determination, kindness and community spirit from a group of young children is truly inspiring.
“The money they have raised will make a real difference for patients and families at Bristol Children's Hospital.”
Teddy's way of helping his sister
Lucia has been at Bristol Children’s Hospital since January, after an MRI revealed a brain tumour that was causing a build-up of fluid.
She underwent surgery to drain the fluid and later had a 16-hour operation to reduce the tumour and take a biopsy. Doctors discovered she had an extremely rare brain tumour.
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After her case was discussed nationally, doctors identified a chemotherapy-only treatment option. Lucia has now completed her sixth cycle and her latest scan has shown that the tumour has gone. Further tests will establish whether what remains is scar tissue or further disease.
For Teddy, the fundraising has been a way to help his sister and give something back to the staff caring for her.
His mum, Beckie Chappell, said:
“The whole team on Starlight are amazing. They helped carry us through some really, really dark times and we will forever be grateful for their kindness.”
She added: “Whilst Lucia has been fighting so bravely, her big brother has done something very special with his friends. He is such a brave boy too.”
Donations to Teddy and his friends’ fundraiser are still open. Support Teddy’s Starlight Striders
The Grand Appeal supports Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital, funding equipment, research, family accommodation and other services for children and their families.
