Kim Leadbeater MP has thrown her backing behind the fundraising efforts for five-year-old Beau from Batley and Spen who urgently needs potentially life-saving treatment in America.

Beau was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma in December 2020 at the age of four and was given a 50 per cent chance of survival.

Now Beau needs a vaccine which costs £317,000, to reduce the risk of relapse.

A fundraising campaign has been set up by her mum, Shirley called 'Get Beau to Sloan’, in New York where the treatment will be done. Beau has spent the past year undergoing intensive treatment on the NHS.

Sixty schools in the Kirklees area have been taking part in ‘Rainbeau Day’ on Friday, January 28, encouraging pupils to come in dressed in rainbow colours. Parents have made donations to the fundraising campaign and by lunchtime thousands of pounds had already been raised.  

The idea came from Debbie Parr at St. Joseph’s Primary Academy in Dewsbury. Debbie said, “I just thought about that little girl and what could we do to help. I thought why not an Own Clothes Day, and the response has been amazing.”  

Beau’s mother Shirley visited Kim Leadbeater’s office with a message of thanks to everybody who was helping to support the campaign.  

Shirley said: “My biggest fear is that there is one person out there who doesn’t get the sense of how grateful I am. Whether it’s one pound or ten thousand pounds, every donation counts equally to me. How do you make a wave if you don’t have all those drops?”  

Kim, who visited Roberttown Junior and Infants School to join pupils and staff on a 'Walk for Beau' around the school grounds, said: “Beau is such a brave little girl who always seems to have a smile on her face.

“I know we can raise the money she needs to get across to America for this vital treatment. The strength that Beau’s mum has shown is inspirational and the way that people have come together to support this family really does show the power of our community.”  

Kim will be taking part in a 60km 'Run for Beau' at Asda in Dewsbury. Anybody wishing to help can go along to encourage the participants and make a donation. And Beau’s story can be seen at www.getbeautosloan.com where donations can also be made. 

So far the grand total raised stands at £158,625.