1:17pm Friday 19th April 2002
By Joseph O'Shea
West Croydon's Haddad family have just returned from Lourdes, in France, where they did not find a miracle but found hope and renewed strength to continue the fight against eight-year-old James' life-threatening brain condition.
Thanks to the fund-raising efforts of St Mary's Junior School in Croydon, school mothers, and St Mary's RC Church, James, parents Robert and Sue and sister Christine, 14, spent a week in the home of miracles.
Robert said: "We are hoping for a miracle for James, that was one of the main reasons for going."
In Lourdes, the Haddads were looked after by the Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust, who provided student Tim Robinson to constantly care for James, allowing his parents time to pray.
Sue said: "The trip was very uplifting and was certainly a source of hope and strength but it was also mentally and emotionally exhausting.
"We will never come to terms with James' condition but the trip did give us time to think and pray. It really boosted our strength and refilled the tank to continue fighting for James."
Robert said: "As committed Christians we felt closer to God. Lourdes is a peaceful and uplifting sanctuary between Earth and Heaven and the experience really touched our hearts."
Sue added: "We so want to thank everyone who has given their thoughts, prayers and support to the whole family, not just at Lourdes, but throughout this most difficult time."
A recent trip to see a consultant at the Royal Marsden Hospital brought positive news that James has responded well to the radiotherapy but the need to seek alternative treatment abroad remains because the negative prognosis has not changed.
James' continued bravery was evident during a recent charity swim at St Mary's Junior School, when he swam over 1,600 metres to raise over £150 for the Macmillan Cancer Relief Fund last month.
Guardian readers have so far raised nearly £900 for the James Haddad Appeal Fund.
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