Giant leap of faith for cancer victim’s family

Oct 6 2007 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

TWO generations of a six-year-old leukaemia sufferer’s family are taking a dare devil leap to raise funds for charity.

South Shields father Kevin Lloyd has been inspired to abseil from the Tyne Bridge by his young son Tommy, who is fighting leukaemia.

Tommy’s grandfather Steve Overton, uncle, Mark Riley, and family friend Peter Revell are teaming up with Kevin to raise money for the cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

The trio have been compelled to help the charity, which has provided invaluable support to the family from Galsworthy Road through Tommy’s illness.

The pupil at Biddick Hall Infant School was diagnosed in September last year. He was off school for three months after the diagnosis as his chemotherapy treatment was intensive.

His 35-year-old mother, Joanne, said: “It was like being hit by a wall when we were told he had leukaemia.

“He lost his hair with the intensive treatment, but now it is growing back and he has returned to school. He has his off days as the treatment makes him tired, but he is coping very well.”

Tommy’s brothers, Billy, eight and four-year-old Joe have coped well under the strain of Tommy’s illness and Joanne credits the charity with helping them to understand.

She said: “When we first went into hospital with Tommy it was such a shock. There is a social worker on the ward provided by the charity who has helped in many ways through the experience. They have been a lifeline.”

The family saw the Tyne Bridge abseil on the CLIC Sargent website and decided to take part.

The abseil takes place on October 21. To take part call Dee Richardson of CLIC Sargent on 07767 621705.

To make a donation visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/campaignwithus