1:02pm Wednesday 11th September 2002
By Joseph O Shea
When the pupils of St Mary's Junior School returned to class last week, there was one
notable absentee in Year 5, but despite the deterioration in his life-threatening brain condition, James Haddad is still managing one hour a day with his class-mates.
The progression in James' inoperable condition is such that he suffers double vision, can no longer walk and needs full-time care from parents Robert and Sue.
Yet despite his suffering, brave nine-year-old was desperate to join his classmates.
His mother Sue said: "We are blessed with a child like James who is accepting his physical deterioration with no moans or groans and we draw our strength from him. He is suffering but just smiles and tries to get on with life.
"He is now confined to a wheelchair but he asked to go back to school and the head teacher Mrs Pendry has made every effort to make it easy, even if it is for as short as an hour a day."
James has also been awarded a weekly achievement badge for bravery and determination from St Mary's, which he is very proud of.
While James Haddad's parents await crucial news from doctors overseas as to where and when their son can undergo treatment for his condition, the fund-raising efforts to get him there continue.
Since we revealed that James' condition had worsened and that the appeal is now urgent, Guardian readers have dug-deep to help the stricken West Croydon boy.
In the last month, Guardian readers have donated over £1,750, helping total Guardian donations reach £5,550.
A month of fund-raising events began on August 30, when Veronica Clarke who works for South West Trains in Blackfriars, organised a quiz night.
Colleague Mark Wicks auctioned off merchandise and signed goodies to raise £2154.
And the local efforts continue when a young girl in James' class, Holly Allen, 9, participated in the FLORA women's 5K challenge run with her mum on Sept 1, raising over £150.
The Appeal fund currently stands at over £22,300, but the target figure of £80,000 needed to fund private treatment and care costs abroad, is still some way off.
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