11:00am Sunday 5th July 2009
By Siobhan Ryan, Health Reporter
THE family of a little boy who died from a rare cancer have set up a fundraising website in his name.
Spencer Roberts was three years old when he lost his fight for life after months of battling neuroblastoma.
His parents Amanda and Paul, of Neville Road, Peacehaven, want to help children’s cancer charities and youngsters and their families suffering from the disease.
When Spencer complained of a stomach ache in December 2006 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 chemo-therapy 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, 2008.”
A neuroblastoma is a 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 so 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 worker, and Mr Roberts, 40, who works as a security officer, also have a nine-yearold daughter Amalia, who is also helping to support the appeal.
Family and friends of the 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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