THE family of an 11-year-old boy who lost his life after a brave battle with cancer say their grief is still raw as they today mark ten years since his death.
Danny Green, from Canvey, died following a battle with brain cancer in 2012, and his family set up The Danny Green Fund to help other families in similar positions to themselves.
While battling the brain tumour, Danny underwent six operations and endless cycles of chemotherapy, which left him with Posterior Fossa Syndrome (PFS) meaning he couldn’t communicate, move aided, hold his head up, balance or walk.
Since his death his family have raised nearly £800,000 to help support other families who have children with PFS.
Today marks ten years since Danny lost his fight, just eight months after his family learned he had a brain tumour.
Danny’s mum, Lisa, said: “This is a difficult year for us as not only are we marking 10 years since we last saw and hugged Danny, but we also had to face what should have been his 21st birthday in February this year.
“For us, Danny will always be 11; we have been denied the joy of seeing him grow into a man, making new memories, as well as where his path in adulthood would have taken him.
“Building a legacy for Danny has given us a vital focus over the years and we are proud to have raised around £785,000 in that time, sponsoring 31 days of research and helping more than 40 children with life-changing effects following brain surgery and their families.
“This has typically been via physiotherapy or hydrotherapy treatment, horse-riding or swimming, as well as equipment, including buggies and beds.
“After losing Danny, we wanted his life to make a difference and know that he hadn’t died in vain.
“We have been blown away by the support we have had, particularly this year, and are so grateful to everyone who has donated to The Danny Green Fund, taken on a challenge or held an event. Without you, none of this could have happened.”
During this significant year for the charity, supporters of The Danny Green Fund have signed up to challenges and fundraisers in their droves, boosting income to help support families and fund research to find a cure.
Among these, has been a group of around 40 Essex cyclists who raised an incredible £14,175 pedalling 21 miles from Shoeburyness to Canvey, as well as Canvey Island Swimming Club which held an event and raised an awesome £2,040.
The Danny Green Fund has sponsored the equivalent of 31 days of research at Brain Tumour Research’s Centres of Excellence where scientists are focused on finding better outcomes for brain tumour patients and ultimately finding a cure.
One day of research is the equivalent of £2,740 which means that The Danny Green Fund has donated almost £85,000 to the charity Brain Tumour Research.
Sue Farrington Smith MBE, chief executive at Brain Tumour Research said: “Our hearts go out to Danny’s family who have now endured ten years without him.
“So much has changed in that time, but there is still so much to do to find a cure for all types of brain tumour. We are so grateful to our Member Charity The Danny Green Fund for its incredible support over the years to fund the fight for a cure.”
To make a donation to The Danny Green Fund go to www.thedannygreenfund.org.uk/donate/
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