12:01pm Wednesday 15th May 2002
By Joseph O Shea
The Haddad family from West Croydon are seeking help from the Pope in their battle against young James' life-threatening brain condition, when they visit the Vatican for a special audience.
Having already visited Lourdes in March, the Haddads, committed Christians, are hoping that a papal blessing will work a miracle and cure eight-year-old James' illness.
Robert said: "After our trip to Lourdes, we are going to the Vatican to be blessed by the Pope, so we are praying for a miracle!"
The trip was organised and paid for by some close family friends, Mr and Mrs Michael Sealey, who arranged flights and the audience with Pope John Paul II, the head of the Catholic Church.
In Rome they will visit the Vatican and famous Cistine chapel before attending a special papal service for the sick.
When asked if he knew who the Pope was James paused and said: "He's the holiest man on Earth!"
The Rome trip is the latest example of the astonishing generosity shown by friends and compassionate strangers since the James Haddad Appeal Fund was set up at the beginning of March.
The appeal fund total now stands at over £7,000, with Guardian readers digging deep to raise £2,840 already.
Just this week, the Guardian received cheques to the value of £700 thanks to the fund-raising efforts of the Children's Paradise Nursery on Crowther Road, South Norwood.
Sue Haddad said: "We have been really touched by the continued and caring community support for James. We can't thank you enough!"
The funds are needed to pay for James' immediate care needs, the costs of treatment abroad, and fulfilling some of his childhood ambitions. Ten per cent will also be donated to the Samantha Dickson Trust, which is funding research into brain conditions like James'.
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