Benjamin says ‘thanks for saving my mum’

Budding athlete Benjamin Miller has handed over a cheque for more than £1,900 to Sunderland Royal Hospital’s head and neck cancer charitable fund to say ‘thanks for saving my mum’.

Eight-year-old Benjamin, from Chester-le-Street, raised the money by taking part in the Mini Great North Run.

Just over a year ago his mum, Suzanne Miller underwent a nine-hour operation at the hospital for tonsil and neck cancer.

A six-week schedule of weekly chemotherapy and daily radiotherapy at The Northern Centre for Cancer Care – at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, followed.

Benjamin, a pupil at Red Rose Primary School in Chester-le-Street, loves all sports.

He took part in the Mini Great North Run to raise money as a thank-you to the team who treated and cared for his mum.

Mrs Miller said: “I am the proudest mum in the world. What Benjamin has achieved is amazing.”

To celebrate her 50th birthday last month, Mrs Miller organised a party for around 160 people who have been there for her every step of the way during the past year.

The money raised will be shared between the head and neck charitable fund and Maggie’s – which provides free, practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer, and their family and friends.

Mrs Miller said: “If it wasn’t for the fantastic medical and support teams, I wouldn’t be here today so this is my way of saying a big thank you from me and my family for all they have done.

“The money we raise will help them to help others.”