MORE £2,500 was raised in one morning for a hospital ward that saved a dale youngster’s life.
Scores of people rallied round to support a coffee morning in Cockfield organised by the family of seven-year-old Shane Nodding, who was declared free of cancer shortly before Christmas last year.
He had been receiving treatment at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) since being diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of three.
The event at Cockfield Methodist Church last month featured a variety of stalls including books, toys, cakes, raffles and tombola.
Shane’s dad, Eric, said: “Shane was picking out the numbers for the raffle and that was quite emotional to watch. There were so many wonderful prizes – he was quite tired by the end of it. It was a good morning, it was 10am when we started and it was about 12.30pm when they got the raffle drawn.
“My mam has been a member of the church for 60 years and she has never seen the chapel as full as that for a coffee morning.”
Mr Nodding thanked the many people and businesses who had supported the event.
He said about £1,000 was raised through donations alone. A grand total of £2,660.98 was achieved on the morning, which the family delivered to Prof Simon Bailey of the RVI last week.
Shane and his younger sister were given a day off from school to present the cheque.
Mr Nodding said: “They were really excited on that day. It was amazing and the hospital was really grateful. We never expected to make as much as that.”
The cash will go to the RVI’s Children’s Cancer Trust.
Mr Nodding thanked everyone who helped with donations, cakes and gifts, including Cockfield Primary School which gave a number of toys. The RVI continues to support the Burnt Houses youngster, despite him being declared leukaemia free..
Mr Nodding said: “Shane still has to go for check ups. He is going up nearly every month for blood test to make sure it hasn’t come back. He will have to go until he is a teenager.”
