A CHILDHOOD cancer charity is appealing for marathon runners to raise money to help fund the ongoing treatment of a Feltham youngster.
Five-year-old Aarin Bhatt, from Tawny Close, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer, in September 2009.
Although Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer diagnosed in the first year of life, treatment options in the UK are limited and the Neuroblastoma Alliance UK is helping Aarin's parents, Rachna and Nehal, raise money to pay for treatment abroad.
The charity is appealing for runners that have been awarded a place in the 2012 Virgin London Marathon to fundraise in support of Aarin.
Marta Hofstrom, fundraising coordinator at Neuroblastoma Alliance UK, said: "Runners who entered the ballot for the 2012 Virgin London Marathon will hear in early October whether they've been successful. It would be great if they could fundraise for the charity to help pay for Aarin's ongoing treatment."
Since being diagnosed with the illness, which accounts for around 15 per cent of cancer deaths in children, Aarin has received treatment in the UK and Germany.
Last month, he had 10 hours of surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital to remove a tumour in his abdomen and he is currently in Germany undergoing the fifth cycle of antibody treatment.
Aarin's dad Nehal said: "We are so pleased that Aarin's recent surgery went well. We would like to thank all the people that have helped us raise money so far.
"We still need to raise money to pay for his ongoing treatment, so would be delighted if people who had a London marathon place could fundraise for Aarin."
For runners that missed out of a place in the 2012 London Marathon, the charity has a number of places available for the 2012 Brighton Marathon.
For more information about fundraising for the Neuroblastoma Alliance UK by running a marathon, contact Marta Hofstrom on 020 82030100 or marta@nballiance.org.uk.
