Diet puts James to the test (From Croydon Guardian)

Diet puts James to the test

12:20pm Wednesday 22nd May 2002 in

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Since he was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain condition, James Haddad's life has been turned upside down with a strict diet and constant attention replacing the care-free existence of a bright eight-year-old.

When James revealed to his parents Robert and Sue that he was suffering double vision during Christ-

mas 2001, neither he or his family could have known what lay ahead.

A month later, James had already been through a series of tests, a programme of steroids and a course of radiotherapy as doctors tried in vain to beat the condition with conventional NHS treatment.

With the loving support of his parents and sister Christine, 14, James showed remarkable resilience throughout. Robert said: "We told him he was very sick and that the doctors would try and make him better. He didn't complain at all and even the nurses and radiotherapists said how brave he was."

James reacted well to the treatment and was able to return to school at St Mary's Junior School in Croydon on a part-time basis.

However, while his parents and teachers have tried to maintain normality, necessary changes to his lifestyle have robbed James of his favourite hobbies such as riding a bike and football.

As the James Haddad Appeal Fund was being launched, he had to get used to being watched full-time, losing the freedom of the playground and playing football for Croydon Athletic Under-8s, with whom he won several trophies.

As postal worker Keith Walton (who raised £500 with Royal Mail colleagues) revealed, James was a promising footballer.

He said: "James used to go scouts with our son Shane. He was an outstanding footballer, better than everyone else in his age group."

According to his parents, James is starting to tire of his illness, particularly the strict medicinal and dietary regime. He takes 26 tablets each day and is on a virtually sugar-free diet. On top of this, being constantly watched is getting on his nerves.

But the need for funds remains to cover the costs of caring for him, fulfil his childhood ambitions and seek treatment abroad. So far Guardian readers have raised almost £3,000.