Cruel blow for family as 'brave, smiling, and loving' Teesside tot's cancer returns
The family of a brave Teesside tot has been dealt a bitter blow that the youngster's cancer has returned.
Two-year-old Henry Barber's happy outlook through his grueling treatment has been inspirational, but now the courageous youngster is facing an even bigger battle with the disease. The 'cheeky' Yarm youngster was diagnosed with the rare and aggressive form of cancer, neuroblastoma, in September, last year, and began chemotherapy at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle.
Henry's spirit won the hearts of Teessiders and more than £40,000 has already be raised to the help the little one and his parents, Patrick and Sophie, who also welcomed a baby girl, Annabel in December, with the financial toll of him being in the RVI. Henry even enjoyed a day of a lifetime to remember as crowds cheered him on at the Riverside Stadium.
Now, however, the family is reeling from the news that after hoping he was on the mend, the cancer has returned. Henry's uncle, Matt Barber, said: "A little more than a year on from his initial diagnosis, we hoped and prayed that Henry would now be on the road to a full recovery. Sadly, Henry has relapsed, with scans picking up a return of the cancer in his body.
"After glimpsing light at the end of the tunnel following months of grueling chemotherapy, it's been a cruel blow. But, Henry keeps on fighting, and that drives us all on.
"The medical staff have been so supportive from the outset, and Henry is now undergoing further chemo; a different type as they try to attack the cancer and eradicate it however possible.
"The path ahead is unclear and potentially complex, so with normal life on hold again things are very much being taken day by day." Matt said having the fundraising behind them is a huge boost to the family in case they need to consider treatment elsewhere.
He said: "As ever, Henry is an inspiration; brave, smiling, and loving. Please keep him in your thoughts, as the support we've had has made a huge impact, and means ever so much."
Matt is now in training to run the Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday, October 20 to raise money for Henry's fundraising. Anyone who would like to make a donation for Henry can visit his page here.
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