Luke the perfect gift this – chance to beat cancer
friends and family, the rugby community has been fantastic,” said Mark.
His focus this week is making sure Luke has the best possible Christmas, as he and Luke’s mother Becky have come to terms with the grim reality it may be his last unless they can find the funds to get their son to Spain.
“Luke’s disease has spread and 70 per cent of his bone marrow now has neuroblastoma,” said Mark.
“Without treatment he has weeks, months at best. Knowing how aggressive this disease can be, we have been trying mentally to prepare ourselves, but getting the news has just been devastating. I’ve never experienced anything like it before.
“As a family we are struggling to cope with a situation you never expect to go through.
“We are totally and utterly devastated, but are throwing ourselves into fundraising.
“We are ultimately realistic and know Luke’s chances are very slight, so we are focusing on enjoying the time he has and on making sure he is happy, pain free and comfortable so we make as many special memories as we can.”
Luke’s grandmother Carol said: “Despite all that Luke continues to go through he rarely complains and shows immense courage at every stage.”
Mark is seeking confirmation that Luke is well enough to fly to Barcelona as cancer specialists there are already reviewing his case notes in readiness for his arrival in Spain.
Fundraisers have already made plans to help reach the target. Yesterday Scott Mcalister, 47, began his bid to climb North Yorkshire’s Roseberry Topping 27 times in less than 24 hours, the equivalent of reaching the top of Mount Everest, to raise money for Luke.
Another fundraiser, Marc Ellis, will be running around The Northern Echo Arena in Darlington for 24 hours from 6pm on Friday, December 28.
He said: “I have been following Luke’s story for the last six months, and when I got back from a running event in Lanzarote last week and I saw the latest, I immediately knew I had to try and help.”