A NINE-year-old cancer patient from Studley has raised almost £13,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Ollie Stevens Smith, who visits the hospital every three weeks for treatment, was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer, in September 2014. The cancer was initially detected in one of his legs but Ollie and his family later found out it had also spread to his lungs.
Since his diagnosis Ollie has received eight cycles of chemotherapy and still has six to go. Responding well to treatment, his lungs cleared and the tumour in his leg is shrinking considerably, meaning he can now have an operation to remove it.
To take his mind off his treatment, brave Ollie turned to fund raising for the hospital and in particular Ward 15, the hospital’s oncology ward, raising a whopping £12,836.
Together with his family and friends, the youngster raised the staggering sum in just six months by organising a yard and cake sale, holding a Christmas party and organising a fete in Studley village hall.
“I’ve really enjoyed all the events that we’ve done but especially the yard and cake sale, as this was our first event and it was amazing how much support we got. I thought we’d raise about £100 but we actually achieved £1,000,” said Ollie.
Determined not to stop now they have started, Ollie and his family are also planning to do more events to raise funds for Ward 15, including taking part in the Great Birmingham half marathon later in the year.
Vikki Calcutt, deput director of fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said: “We are truly thankful for all the hard work and determination Ollie and his family have put into raising such a fantastic amount of money. The money they have raised will go a long way to helping make a huge difference to the lives of other brave children .”
