Family hoping for ‘Christmas miracle’ for Joseph, three
THE family of a three-year-old boy who was struck down with an aggressive cancer say they’re hoping for a “Christmas miracle” to get him lifesaving treatment abroad.
Joseph Yeandle was diagnosed with stage four high risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer, in April and has been given just a 50% chance of survival.
He is currently receiving treatment from the NHS which is due to finish in June 2022. However, when Joseph finally gets into remission he still has a high chance of relapsing.
“What’s even worse is that children who relapse only have a 5% chance of long-term survival,” said his devastated mum Katy Yeandle, from Brynamman, Carmarthenshire.
“It’s for this reason why we are desperately raising money for Joseph to access a clinical trial that will keep the neuroblastoma cells away forever.
“Unfortunately, these trials are not yet available in the UK which is why we need to fundraise so that we can give Joseph the best possible chance in life.”
Joseph, described as the “kindest, funniest and most loving boy”, went rapidly downhill just before the Easter holidays when he “turned grey” and struggled to stand up.
He was taken to Glangwili Hospital where doctors spotted a lump in his neck and discovered he had a low blood platelet count.
After tests and scans he was transferred to the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales, Cardiff, in March where, following a biopsy, he was diagnosed with the cruel disease.
Unfortunately the cancer had spread throughout Joseph’s body by the time he was diagnosed, making his condition one of the most difficult kinds of childhood cancer to treat. The cancer is now present in his adrenal glands, stomach, lymphatic system, brain and bone marrow.
“Despite everything that Joseph is going through, he remains a cheerful little boy. When you meet Joseph, you can’t help but fall in love with his beautiful smile and infectious character,” said his auntie, Emma Rees.
To help raise funds for his treatment abroad, all the profits from a special Christmas event – the Amman Valley Christmas Experience – will be donated to Joseph’s campaign.
The event, which is spearheaded by local businesswoman Margaret Studt and was open for a soft launch last weekend, will be open from Friday until January 2 and includes a magical princess forest, skating rink, Santa’s grotto, funfair and a festive undercover bar and food area with entertainment.
“The community spirit to help us raise the funds has been overwhelming,” added mum Katy.
“Raising money whilst Joseph is going through this treatment has been extremely difficult on the entire family.
“However the support we have received from the community has helped us so much, and now that Margret is also helping us raise funds we feel like a weight has been lifted in relation to the fundraising and we can finally start to sleep at night.”
The fundraising effort has been supported by a host of celebrities including Wales rugby stars Shane Williams, Mike Phillips, James Hook and Lee Byrne who were launching their Fab Four coffee at a VIP day at the attraction last week.
For more details on the Amman Valley Christmas Experience please go to: ammanvalleychristmasexperience.co.uk and for more on Joseph’s journey please go to: https://helpjoseph.co.uk