Holbeach’s William Stukeley Primary School organises Day of Hope and friends plan family fundraiser to help Sutton Bridge schoolboy battling brain tumour

Friends of a schoolboy who is bravely battling a brain tumour are showing their support by raising money towards building a special room when the youngster returns home.

Jack Naish, 10, from Sutton Bridge, is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge after being diagnosed with a brain tumour following a routine eye examination.

In a bid to help his recovery, William Stukeley Primary School, Holbeach, where Jack is a pupil, is holding a Day of Hope on Thursday (November 28). The following evening (Friday, November 29) Jack’s friends Oliver Ivatt and Evan Verney will brave the shave at a family fundraiser jointly organised by their mums Roxanne Kent and Helen Verney at Holbeach United Services Club.

Proceeds from the fundraisers will help Jack’s legal guardians, Tom Naish and Belinda McClements, build a special annex at their home where Jack can continue his treatment.

Miss Kent, Oliver’s mum, said: “When Oliver found out about Jack he said he wanted to do something.

“The news has been very upsetting and he has taken it quite badly.

“I think he is brilliant for wanting to do it - it takes a lot - and I am proud that he wants to do it for his friend.”

Last June, Jack was referred to Peterborough Hospital for a brain scan following an appointment at Specsavers as his family feared that he had a lazy eye muscle.

He was found to have a mass on his brain and is facing 18 months of treatment, recently spending a day in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn.

Pupils at Jack’s school came up with ideas for the Day of Hope and will take part in singing, painting pictures, making cards, writing poems, letters and wearing bright colours.

A separate online crowd funder has reached £2,299 while A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party was organised by family friend Alison Owen, who runs Harli Quinn Farm Shop in Sutton St James, and raised £1,000.

Both fundraisers will help towards the renovation costs to build a special room where nurses will be able to visit Jack when he returns home.

The family fundraiser will include a raffle, tombola, face painting, cake and sweet stalls and the chance to make friendship bracelets.

There will be live music from singing duo Helen and Ryan who will perform on the night that her son Evan has his head shaved.

She said: “Evan and Jack both just wanted to do something for Jack and show their solidarity.

“Evan has felt really sad for Jack and it is a big thing to understand.

“We all just wanted to do something to help.”

Belinda McClements said: “This will definitely help with the annex for Jack and I am sure when Jack is able a dude date with Oliver will be on the cards to thank him.

“They are going to a lot of trouble for Jack, which we really appreciate.

“A big thank you from us all to the school and everyone for their kindness.”

Staff, parents and children at the school came up with the different activities for the Day of Hope.

Peter Bellamy, executive headteacher said: “ Since learning about Jack's diagnosis, we have been inundated with ideas, thoughts and suggestions about how they can show their love, support and care for Jack.

“Subsequently, we have organised the Day of Hope to help support Jack and other children facing similar challenges.

“We have been inspired by Jack's bravery and want to help to support him on his road to recovery.”

Tickets for the family fundraiser at Holbeach United Services Club cost £2 per adult and £1 for children - contact helen.verney@sky.com or visit here https://www.facebook.com/events/1595037621387134/ for further details.

Visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/jacks-journey for further ways to donate.

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