TWO kind-hearted Fulham youngsters got on their bikes at the weekend to raise money for a young boy’s cancer treatment in the US.
Five-year-old Munster Road resident Elijah White and four-year-old Sulivan Court resident Harley Coulson-McEniry collected a staggering £1,500 by cycling five laps of Bishops Park on Sunday afternoon.
The pair were supporting family friend Connor Whipp, four, who was diagnosed with having the aggressive childhood cancer neuroblastoma in January.
Family and friends have rallied around Whitton resident Connor to try to raise the £250,000 needed to pay for pioneering treatment in America, which they believe will boost his chances of survival.
Elijah’s mother, Laurie Durrant, 25, said: “We are so proud of them. They went round the park about five times and everyone was supporting them and cheering them on.
“They were both really pleased with how much they raised, especially as people in the park were coming over and dropping money in the buckets.
“They are still a bit young, they don’t know how much £1,500 is but they know it’s a lot. They were just happy that people were dropping in paper money.
“As Connor is a friend of the family, the boys really wanted to do something nice for him.”
So far the Connor Whipp appeal has raised around £100,000 through fundraisers such as the cycle ride as well as match-day collections at Twickenham Stadium and Brentford Football Club.
The family have until September to raise the money, and are hoping to surpass the target in case Connor has a relapse.
Ms Durrant added: “Although they have raised a huge amount so far, I think there is a little bit of worry as the £250,000 is just for the treatment.
“They will need to live out there for six months and they need to raise enough in case he has a relapse.
“Really they need to raise a lot more, but there will be all manner of events going on throughout the year to help them.
“In fact, as soon as Elijah finished cycling he told me he wanted to do a sponsored swim next.”
l To sponsor the boys and the Connor Whipp appeal, visit www.bymycharity.com/connorwhippappeal or text CONN 95, followed by the amount you wish to give, to 70070.
