Cowell: Let’s help save this lad’s life
BGT stars call on readers to raise £201k for Nathaniel by Wednesday
IN RACE TO LIVE Nathaniel needs cash by May 12
TELLY supremo Simon Cowell has urged Sunday Mirror readers to help raise £201,000 for a young fan who needs to start life-saving treatment in THREE DAYS.
Simon has put his money where his mouth is to help Nathaniel Nabena, who desperately needs a stem cell transplant.
He and fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams have both donated five-figure sums to help the brave nine-year old.
And yesterday, reality star Katie Price urged fans to “give Nathaniel the chance for a life” as she shared his fundraising page to her 2.5 million Instagram followers.
Simon, whose son is a similar age to Nathaniel, has urged Sunday Mirror readers to do all they can to help.
The 61-year-old said: “This must be a really difficult time for Nathaniel and his parents.
“Let’s all pray that this campaign gets Nathaniel the treatment he needs.”
And David, 49, added: “It is impossible not to be touched by Nathaniel’s story. We must do everything we can to ensure he gets the treatment he needs so he can enjoy a long, happy life.”
Nathaniel’s family are in a desperate race to raise £201,000 by Wednesday – the deadline for his treatment to begin.
The youngster, who comes from Nigeria, has already lost an eye to cancer and flew here in November to have a prosthetic one fitted privately. But he fell ill on arrival and was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia at Croydon University Hospital.
Nathaniel’s family were told that without chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, he would die within weeks. But as he is not a British national, he is not entitled to free NHS treatment.
In March, well-wishers raised £87,000 to fund three rounds of chemo at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Nathaniel
responded well to the treatment and is now in remission and strong enough to have the transplant he needs.
GOSH doctors kindly waived their private fees to help reduce costs but despite this and donations received so far, there is still another £150,000 to find.
Consultants say Nathaniel’s cancer could return at any time so for his op must take place by next week.
The youngster’s dad Ebi, 45, and mum Modupe, 38, have been moved to tears by the support they have received so far.
Ebi said: “I have been crying knowing the British people have given my son another hope in life again.
“We all watch American Idol and Nathaniel watches videos of Simon on TikTok. He is a big fan.
“And to David, we say thank you so much for coming to the aid of a stranger and being a good samaritan. I cannot believe the kindness people have shown.”
Nathaniel has had tests and seen a psychologist at GOSH ahead of his potential transplant.
With a 30% to 50% success rate, it is the little boy’s last hope.
If you can help, donate at the web address below.
I cannot believe the kindness people have shown EBI NABENA FATHER OF LITTLE NATHANIEL