A FAMILY FUN day to raise vital funds for a brave cancer victim who has started treatment in America will be held in the borough on Saturday, July 30.
Chloe Balloquia was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of two – an aggressive childhood cancer – but put up a brave battle and fought her way into remission in 2014.
However, the cancer made an untimely comeback in January 2015 – weeks before she was due to take part in a cancer resistance drug trial in America.
The courageous toddler spent seven months in hospital and is now in remission for the second time.
Chloe has started treatment in New York and has a further five trips ahead of her – an expensive process costing around £500,000.
Every penny raised at the family fun day will contribute towards treatment, flights, accommodation and any further treatment Chloe may need in the future.
Despite all the odds, the future is looking brighter for the five year-old as she has finally cut ties with cancer and had her Hickman line removed – a tube attached to her chest injecting chemotherapy.
Speaking to The Observer ahead of the fundraiser, Chloe’s determined auntie Louise Fenton said: “We’ve managed to raise £250,000 towards treatment, but we need a final push to get Chloe on the road to recovery.
“Chloe is an extremely brave young girl and has kept everyone’s spirits high with the way she takes everything in her stride.
“I grew up in Shirley and we keep coming back year upon year to raise funds as the community spirit is next to nothing.”
“The Halloween fundraising event proved to be a success, so we decided to follow in its footsteps and host a summer fun-day for everyone to enjoy. ”
There will be a long list of activities – including bouncy castles, tombolas, face painting and raffles – to keep everyone entertained throughout the fun-filled day.
The event will take place at Shelley Farm Community Centre, Farmhouse Way, Monkspath and will run from 11am until 3pm
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/ChloeBalloquiaAppeal.
