Kentish Express Ashford & District
Family to go under the clippers to back Danny
HELPING OTHERS
Family members are preparing to shave their heads in support of a teenager with cancer.
Danny Joynes, 14, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia three months ago.
At first, doctors thought the ache in his legs was growing pains, but when they got worse he was taken to A&E, where a blood test revealed he had the rare form of cancer.
Since then he has been in and out of hospital, has been unable to attend his school, Folkestone Academy, and has embarked on an intensive course of chemotherapy.
Danny, who lives in Cheriton, near Folkestone, with his mum, Kerry Joyce, has also lost his blond hair.
His aunt, Sharon Henderson, from Great Chart, near Ashford, said: “He is very poorly and spending a lot of time in hospital.
“He is having rare reactions to the chemotherapy, which is making him hallucinate and very confused.
“When he is at home he’s barely allowed to leave the house or see his friends due to risk of infection with his low immunity.”
Mrs Henderson, along with her son, Luke D’Ath, 22, and Danny’s other aunt, Tracey Joynes, have organised a ‘Hair off for Danny Day’ during which they will all have their heads shaved to match Danny’s, to raise money to support him and his family during his illness.
Mrs Henderson said: “I would like to raise funds to support Danny. He will need some paidfor care as he can’t be left on his own.
“If Danny’s response to the drugs improves then maybe he can have something to look forward to like a holiday.”
The event – being held at the Singleton Barn, in Hoxton Close, Singleton, on Saturday, July 25 from 1pm to 6pm – will also include a barbecue, clay-pigeon shooting, a bucking bronco, face painting, a bouncy castle and a raffle. Everyone is welcome. Other male family members will also have their chests and legs waxed.
Mrs Henderson has already raised just over £1,000, but hopes to reach £5,000.
To donate, go to www. gofundme.com/wdd8rqg