Family and friends raising money for four-year-old cancer sufferer Josh McCormack

Josh McCormack

The family and friends of four-year-old Josh McCormack, who was recently diagnosed with a rare brain tumour, are hoping to raise as much money as possible to help him and his family in his fight against cancer.

Josh, from Whitworth, who is described by family friends as a “really friendly little boy”, was diagnosed with the tumour around four weeks ago.

Family friend Lewis Gregory said: “I can’t imagine what they are going through. It's a cause close to everyone at one stage or another in their lives and it's an evil disease that needs to be stopped.”

It is hoped that £70,000 can be raised to help the family with ongoing treatment as well as offering ongoing support if they need to make any alterations to their house, etc. Money will also be donated to Manchester Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

Lewis added: “They were originally looking at funding alternative treatment with Proton Therapy in Munich but they have been told that they can no longer do that. If treatment is delayed then he will have less chance of survival so they have decided to not do that now. The money will instead be going to them to offer them extra support.”

It is understood that the tumour that Josh has been diagnosed with only affects around 66 people in the world.

Josh's mum, Nik McCormack, recently thanked everyone for their help and support so far. She said: “A heartfelt thank you from all of us.

"Our hearts are breaking right now. Joshua needs radiation on both his brain and spine. If he makes it through the long term effects are frightful, his skull and spine will never grow again leaving him physically disabled and his memory, thoughts and learning will all be affected causing mental disabilities. This is unpreventable in the attempt to kill the cancer. Radiotherapy on his spine will also have debilitating effects on his tiny growing organs due to the radiation exiting his body. Therefore if he gets through this he will also have numerous health issues.

“As a mum it feels wrong to put him through radiotherapy. We are aware of the long term side effects as both full head and spine require radiation and these are unpreventable but as we live in England we have only been offered traditional radiotherapy.

“I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing.”

Fundraising events that have already been planned by family and friends include growing moustaches for six weeks whilst Josh is receiving radiotherapy as he finds them funny. A sponsored Santa walk/run has also been planned for the 12 December starting from The Halfway House in Whitworth to Littleborough and back to a chosen destination, which is still to be confirmed. A raffle will then take place to raise further funds.

To donate visit:

https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/JoshMcCormack