‘Warrior mums’ join the fight for Rueben
MORE than 50 mums put on their waterproofs and walking boots this weekend to show their support for a brave Holmfirth boy.
Nine-year-old Rueben Walder was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour in May this year and has so far undergone two rounds of brain surgery to combat the malignant mass.
The news was a devastating blow for the family, who only lost Rueben’s mother, Cathy Temple, to cancer in 2017, aged just 33.
But with nine children to raise between them, Stephen Walder and his new partner, Liz Robb, have thrown themselves into supporting Rueben’s brave cancer fight at Leeds General Infirmary.
The Holmfirth Junior, Infant and Nursery pupil is now enduring radiotherapy treatment before starting a gruelling six-month course of high-dose chemotherapy in November.
His step-mum Liz, who has been by Rueben’s side throughout, said: “Rueben has a tumour that only 10 children a year get, so it is very rare.
“They found it wasn’t just one tumour, it is actually eight tumours growing within one tumour and each part grows differently, so it is just trial and error as to what’s going to work.
“This is our one shot and hope is a great word. We just have to stay positive and make as many memories as we can.”
The couple, who live in Holmfirth, have spent months in and out of hospital, and even set up a rota to be able to juggle parenting the seven children still living at home with being at Rueben’s bedside.
Throughout Rueben’s illness, they’ve been supported by the Candlelighters Trust, which provides practical, emotional and financial support to children living with cancer in Yorkshire and their families.
“These guys have helped us beyond belief,” said Liz. “They’ve helped with things like grants, trips for the kids, talking therapy sessions for the family, and among loads of other things, plenty of hugs. They’re amazing.”
Now Rueben is on a mission to help repay the kindness shown to him and his family during the past few months.
His fighting spirit has touched the hearts of his community so much that hundreds have joined the fundraising drive to give Candlelighters a boost.
And a major fundraising effort took place in Holmfirth at the weekend, supported by families and staff from Rueben’s school.
More than 50 school mums – and 15 children – braved awful weather conditions to take part in the Warrior Mums Midnight Walk on Saturday from Holmfirth Holy Trinity Church to Marsden almost seven miles away – where Rueben’s mum used to live.
Liz said: “We raised £1,000 on the fundraising page that day alone and raised another £840 from bucket collections and a raffle.” She also posted a thank you message on Facebook: “I cannot express the love we felt. To see so many people turn out in those weather conditions was unbelievable.
“You haven’t just helped our family you have helped hundreds of families that will never be able to show their gratitude enough. I have tears rolling down my face as I write these words – you are true warrior mums, a memory for all of us to cherish forever.”
Rueben’s headteacher Julian Rose put on his running shoes to complete a fundraising 10K race.
Liz said: “He posted the medal to Rueben afterwards saying I feel you deserve this medal much more than me, which was a lovely thing to do.”
Holmfirth High School has also thrown its weight behind the cause, with teacher Mark Speat pledging to run a marathon.