Ditchling couple’s help for Magnus' cancer treatment

Sylvia and Gordon Bain from East End Lane, Ditchling help run a fundraising campaign to fund non-NHS treatment for their great nephew, Magnus, eight who lives in Northamptonshire.

Magnus suffers from a rare and aggressive life-threatening childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.

The couple thanked everyone who attended as well as Ditchling businesses such as Black Dog Hill Winery, the White Horse Pub, Nutmeg Tree cafe and the Green Wellie cafe, which provided raffle prizes.

Sylvia and Gordon have already held several fundraising events. Sylvia said: “The money raised goes towards treatment not available on the NHS. Magnus has had major surgery and chemotherapy since being diagnosed in January 2018 with a stage four neuroblastoma but his NHS treatment had come to an end.”

‘Mighty Magnus’ as he is known, was placed on the standard treatment protocol and underwent a punishing, prolonged course of treatment over a year with many different aspects, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and stem cell replacement.

Gordon explained: “Thanks to unbelievable level of community help which has raised about £250,000, Magnus has been treated with experimental gene therapy in New York.

"Without that treatment he had only a 30-35 per cent chance of survival. He is now in remission but we know that the cancer can recur in five years.”

The family knows this is a challenging illness to treat and due to risk of relapse Magnus will need constant monitoring in the years to come.

About 100 children in the UK will be diagnosed with neuroblastoma every year.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to continue helping Magnus can visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/magnusfund.