An inspirational young Harefield girl who has named her tumour Boris has raised a phenomenal £60,000 towards funding her treatment thanks to the help of the community.
Jess Shepherd was first diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer, neuroblastoma, when she was three years old and went into remission spontaneously.
But the cancer returned in 2013, and the nine-year-old named the tumour Boring Boris, because “it won't go away and keeps coming back”.
The youngster underwent chemotherapy, surgery, radiotheraphy and retinoic acid for a year but the tumour withstood the treatment and returned in 2015.
Cancer returned for a fourth time
With her cancer returning for a forth time, Jess has been accepted for a trail treatment at Royal Marsden Hospital , but needs to raise a staggering £120,000 to travel the the United States for follow up injections.
Jess has now completed the trial, which has had some limited success and has shrunk the tumour by half a centimetre in width and length.
She now has two chemotherapy treatments and she will be flown to America for the trial vaccine once she is in remission.
"Amazing little girl"
Harefield resident Teresa King, who has helped fundraise for Jess, said: “So this is where Jessica's Jinglebell Ball comes in.
"We're hoping to raise some more pennies for the wonderful Jess on her road to recovery.
“This year so far Harefield has done some amazing charity events.
“But in order for Jess to continue her journey to beat Boris a considerable amount of funding will still be needed for this amazing little girl to receive the treatment she needs.”
VIP guests
Jessica's Jinglebell Ball will be held at Harefield Cricket Club on Saturday December 3 from 7.30pm to midnight.
Some exciting VIP guests will be attending, including former world light-heavy boxing champion and Northwood resident John Conteh, comedian Scotty Miller and finishing off with Rythm Revival, a funk, soul and pop band.
Tickets cost £15 and can be bought from Harefield Cricket Club and Harefield Tackle shop .
The event is over 18s only.
You can also make a donation towards Jess' treatment through the GoFundMe page here.
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