Mum of boy with cancer calls support 'mind blowing'

The mother of a nine-year-old boy who has a rare type of cancer said she is "blown away every day" by the help and support of her local community.

Oliver Stephenson was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was four and given the all clear in 2021, but the cancer returned just before Christmas.

As he prepares to start his latest round of chemotherapy, his mum, Laura, from Ackworth, West Yorkshire, said the help the family has received and the fundraising that has taken place makes them feel like "we're not on our own".

Later this month, two teachers at Oliver's school will have their head shaved for charity, said Mrs Stephenson, adding: "Everybody's just been brilliant."

Oliver's little brother Alfie, seven, will be given the job of shaving the heads of his teacher and Oliver's at Outwood Primary Academy Bell Lane on 27 January.

Other fundraising efforts include a group walk from the children's ward at Leeds General Infirmary to Oakwell Football Club in Barnsley to coincide with Children's Cancer Day.

Another event will see five family friends and Oliver's uncle take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge - a gruelling 12-hour hike up Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

Organiser Callum Whaling decided to do the challenge after finding out the "heart-breaking news" that Oliver's cancer had returned.

He said: "You can't imagine what they're going through as parents and what Oliver must feel as a young boy.

"That's the reason why I just wanted to do a little bit of something to help them - in any way possible."

Mr Whaling, 27, said the fundraising would take the financial pressure off Oliver's family so it is "one thing they don't have to worry about".

Oliver underwent a clinical trial in the US after he was diagnosed the first time and nearly £300,000 was raised through fundraising to pay for it.

Since his relapse Oliver has been undergoing weekly wounds of chemotherapy with a two week break between each bout.

Asked how he was doing since his relapse, Mrs Stephenson said he was having a "good week".

"He's improved after his last round of chemo.... he's he's doing really well."

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