Parents touched by community action (From Croydon Guardian)

Parents touched by community action

11:47am Wednesday 10th April 2002 in News By Joseph O Shea

With the possibility of further conventional NHS treatment for James exhausted, extensive research has identified alternative treatment available outside the UK, and given the Haddad family hope.

But this research, undertaken by James' father, Robert, and family friend, Frank Fernando, has also highlighted the high cost of treatment, which is why the James Haddad Appeal Fund has been set up.

The appeal fund will help supplement the Haddad's single income while they care for James, fulfil as many of his childhood wishes as his health will allow, and meet any non-NHS funded costs.

Ten per cent of funds raised, will go to the Samantha Dickinson Research Trust to fund pioneering research into a radical new drug which could help James and other children with similar conditions.

James' parents Susan and Robert have already been deeply touched by the efforts to help them.

Robert said: " I have great faith in people and words alone cannot express our gratitude for all the efforts that are being made."

Before the Croydon Guardian officially launched the appeal, many caring mothers and teachers from St Mary's Junior School, and fellow parishioners from St Mary's RC Church sprung into action with dress down' days, coffee mornings and raffles.

Father Joseph Collins said: "The James Haddad Appeal Fund has been set up as a spontaneous gesture of the parishioners, school parents and friends of the Haddad family in response to James' sudden and life threatening illness.

"So many of us feel so helpless when illness comes to a family we know and love, and especially to a young boy eight years old."

Letters have been sent out to local businessmen and companies, with NatWest Bank the first to donate.

NatWest's Mr David Brown said: "We are glad we could provide a little help to James and his family. We will be thinking of them."

Guardian readers have so far raised £820.

* Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to The James Haddard Appeal Fund, and sent c/o the Croydon Guardian, 3rd Floor, 854 Brighton Road, Purley CR8 2UX (no cash please).