Charity treats children with cancer to day out at Weston Grand Pier

Children with Cancer UK charity is holding its annual fun day at the Grand Pier. Oliver Carter, who is in remisson, enjoying his day at the pier. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Nearly 200 youngsters and their families attended Children with Cancer UK’s Spectacular Day Out on April 17, where they could watch a magician, eat ice cream and try out theme park rides.

The charity researches various forms of cancer to help save youngster’s lives and the annual event has been organised to offer families valuable time together.

Mum-of-two Sarah Milsom, of Worle, took her eight-year-old son Oliver Carter – who is in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

She said: “Oliver is such a loving young boy and he was thrilled he was able to go to the event again, as he went last year as well.

Bella Robinson, aged 4, Suki Corbett, aged 6, Oliver Carter aged 8, and Betsie, aged 4, enjoyed the Children with Cancer UK's Easter fun day. (Image: Neil Munns/PA Wire)

“He was diagnosed with cancer in June 2014, just after his fourth birthday.

“Oliver hadn’t even started school yet, it was such a shock.

“We initially took him to our GP, who said he was fine, but as parents we knew something was wrong.

“After he went through tests to establish what was making him ill, we got a call telling us we needed to go to Bristol Children’s Hospital – and that’s when the doctors told us he has leukaemia.

Children diagnosed with cancer enjoyed a day of fun at Weston's Grand Pier. (Image: Neil Munns/PA Wire)

“Oliver suffers from side effects and he’s at risk of picking up infections, but he’s now in remission, and has been since August 2017, which is great. He is back to school full time now but struggles with his mobility and handwriting, he has to have physio to build on his strength so he can keep up with his friends.

“When Oliver found out he could go to the day out again he was thrilled.

“It’s great of the charity to hold the event for the children, even after they’ve gone through their treatment and have been given the all-clear.”

Special events manager at Children with Cancer UK Stephanie Revell said: “It was a wonderful day out at Weston’s Grand Pier for families affected by cancer.

“When a child is diagnosed with the disease, it affects not just them but the whole family.

“This day out reminds them they are youngsters, not just cancer patients. The annual event is in its sixth year and supports families through their difficult treatment journey and during recovery.”