The family of a Bridgnorth boy with cancer have been stunned at the public response to the launch of an appeal to help him.
Five-year-old Rupert Beckett, from Castlefields School, suffers from rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma and a crowdfunding page has been set-up to help raise money for his treatment. The fund was set up in March and within 48 hours received over £3000 in donations; within 10 days that total was £10,000.
Having undergone extensive treatment over the last two years, Rupert has reached the end of available NHS Treatment. His only hope now is ‘immunotherapy’, but this must be funded privately with each cycle of treatment costing a staggering £35,000.
Rupert’s mum, Sarah Beckett, launched the appeal with a target of £750,000 from his bedside at their London Hospital and simply cannot believe the response and acts of kindness they have received in such a short time.
Clare Mathias ran the Paris marathon on April 9 raising money for the campaign and a team of volunteers are planning a host of future events and fundraisers. These include a ball on 6 May, Rupertfest on 23 July and the #RupertChallenge. The latter involves videoing yourself singing the words to ‘Rupert The Bear’, posting it online and nominating others to do the same.
Liz Beckett, Rupert’s aunt said, “With such a huge target we’re so very grateful to everyone for pulling together for Rupert, the community spirit is fantastic and gives so much hope to the family.
“Without the benefit of time on their hands the family need as much support as possible. They are hoping the appeal continues to gain momentum and that Rupert can start the first cycle of the therapy he so desperately needs.”
Full details can be found at www.rupertsrevenge.co.uk and you can follow Rupert on twitter @Ruperts_revenge
