12:00pm Saturday 4th July 2009
By Siobhan Ryan, Health Reporter
The family of a little boy who died from a rare cancer have launched a fundraising website in his name.
Spencer Roberts was just three years old when he finally lost his fight for life after months of battling the aggressive cancer neuroblastoma.
His parents Amanda and Paul, of Neville Road, Peacehaven, want to help children's cancer charities and local youngsters and their families suffering from the disease.
Spencer had been complaining of stomach ache in December 2006 so Mrs Roberts, 41, took him to their GP, who immediately referred him to the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton.
She said: “It was the worst day ever. They told us they suspected cancer and the same afternoon he was taken to the Royal Marsden.
“Then we were told the devastating news that it was a neuroblastoma and that Spencer was very ill.
“We went through months of treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy and he seemed to be responding well.
“But in October 2007 he became ill again and we were told the cancer had returned and there was nothing more that could be done for him.
“Spencer came home for Christmas and New Year but eventually died on January 4.”
A neuroblastoma is a solid cancerous tumour that develops around the adrenal glands.
It only affects about 80 children in Britain every year and is difficult to treat because it develops very quickly.
Mrs Roberts said: “It was a devastating time for us all and it took more than a year before we felt we were finally ready to do some real fundraising in his name.
“We want to help others who are going through the same experience because we know just how horrendous it can be.
“This is our way of remembering Spencer and keeping his spirit alive.
“We will never forget him and he will always be part of our lives.”
Mrs Roberts, an insurance officer, and Mr Roberts, 40, who works as a security officer, also have a nine-year-old daughter Amalia, who is also helping to support the appeal.
Family and friends of the Roberts are boosting funds for the Remember Spencer appeal by taking part in triathlons, 5km runs, half marathons and full marathons.
Anyone interested in supporting the family should go to www.rememberspencer.co.uk.
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