A young boy who has raised thousands of pounds for poorly children – even after battling a brain tumour himself – is now in need of some fundraising support of his own.
Elliott Furse, aged 11, from the Penzance area, was just eight years old when he was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour called medulloblastoma.
He is known locally for his annual Christmas appeal, donating bags of toys to young patients, which he set up two years ago before his visits to hospital even began.
Elliott came up with the idea himself while he was making his list for Santa and said he wanted to help others instead of receiving the latest toys.
He has since undergone two major operations on a brain tumour since he collapsed in his bedroom, and underwent five rounds of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, initially losing control of his arms, legs and speech.
But as soon as he was starting to talk again he immediately began planning his latest Christmas appeal.
He also raised money for his heroes at Penlee Lifeboat Station with a challenging walk, and in total has raised more than £20,000 for charity.
His selflessness saw him invited to a dream trip to Windsor Legoland to switch on its Christmas tree lights, which was featured on daytime TV show This Morning in November 2021.
However, while Elliott thankfully remains disease free, he has been left with disabilities that affect his everyday life.
As a result, his family are fundraising to fund a power wheelchair, which would also help his transition from Heamoor Primary School, where he is currently in year six, to starting Mounts Bay Academy in September.
This comes at a cost though – of £15,000. As such, a JustGiving fundraising page has been set up at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/elliotts-wheelchair to help make it a reality.
His mum Samantha explained: “We are so grateful he remains disease free, but it isn’t without its complications.
“After surgery he developed a condition called posterior fossa syndrome, a side effect which has meant he has had to relearn to walk, talk, use his hands and swallow all over again. He has come on leaps and bounds but still relies on a wheelchair to transport himself around.
“Elliott currently has a manual NHS-provided wheelchair, it is very basic, bulky and requires somebody to push him around. This has a huge effect on his confidence, social skills and independence.
“There are so many gaps between him and his peers and we would love to build a bridge in allowing him to regain the independence he had before he was diagnosed with brain cancer.”
The Power Chair has both a high and low setting, which would mean he could to join in comfortably with his hobbies, including baking, and make his life as close to his peers’ as possible.
Samantha added: “He has done so much for others, despite everything he’s been through.
“Electric Powerchairs of this type are phenomenally expensive, any support that can be given with that will be very generous and most appreciated.”
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