Papal blessing (From Croydon Guardian)

Papal blessing

12:06pm Wednesday 29th May 2002

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The Haddad family from West Croydon have just returned from the Vatican in Rome where they hope a personal blessing from the Pope, will help cure little James' life-threatening brain condition.

James, eight, who was diagnosed in the New Year with a crippling brain disease, was blessed, hugged and kissed by Pope John Paul II, during a special service for the sick, as part of a five-day visit last week.

James' father Robert said: "A prayer was said over his head and James said he felt great warmth from the Pontiff's hands. James couldn't help but feel important. It was extremely touching for us all."

Committed Catholics, the Haddad's Vatican visit represented their latest bid to help cure James' condition by medical or spiritual means. Having visited Lourdes in March they jumped at the chance to take their only son, and daughter Christine, 15, to Rome after family friends Mr and Mrs Michael Sealey offered them flights and arranged the audience.

Robert added: "We never thought it possible in our wildest dreams, but look at where life and a very close family friend have taken us."

This generosity and that of the many locals who have so far helped raise £8,000 for the James Haddad Appeal Fund, is enabling the Haddads to care for James full time and do anything they can to beat his condition.

Since the hammer-blow news of James' diagnosis, Robert, Sue and family friends have undertaken painstaking research into James condition, searching for a cure.

They even confronted learned NHS consultants with news of pioneering drugs and procedures they thought could benefit their son, eventually convincing them to try a new drug not previously used in this country.

Throughout all these trials their faith was one of the few sources of comfort, and the trip to the Vatican, was a spiritually refreshing one for them all.

Robert said: "From times of deepest despair in West Croydon, we found ourselves surrounded by the tremendous beauty and serenity of the Vatican. It was awe inspiring!"

Sue added: " We were especially pleased to see James laughing with spontaneous energy, darting around every where not wishing to miss a single sight, and he recovered his appetite, temporarily, for authentic pasta and pizza."

Christine, James' sister, an unsung hero amidst all this drama, said she noticed a radiance emanated from James' face throughout his time in Rome and the whole family hopes that if a Pope inspired miracle does not occur, then the experience will have forever enriched his young life.

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