A KEEN young swimmer battling leukaemia is hoping to hand out medals at a charity gala in his honour this weekend.
The event, at Nuffield Health in Shipley on Sunday, was organised to support Felix Gardner, nine, as well as his chosen charity, Candlelighters.
Felix’s dad, Ben, said: “He is doing really well with his treatment and we’re hoping he’s going to make the gala on Sunday.”
Traditionally, leukaemia patients need to avoid swimming due to their reduce immunity, but Felix has been fitted with a device under the skin called a Port-a-Cath to receive treatment at Leeds General Infirmary.
This means that although Felix has had to stop swimming lessons, he is able to go back in the pool.
Felix has had to give up his other hobbies of karate and climbing, but his Dad says he will amuse himself in hospital with computer games instead.
Ben said: “He is very brainy and loves his science and maths, and he’s into computer coding - he is a sponge for knowledge.
"After the initial shock of what was going on, he got into the swing of it and anything we or the doctors have asked him to do he has accepted that he just has to do it.
“He asks us so many questions about what’s going on.
"He knows the names of all the drugs that he’s on better than I do.
"Sometimes he asks the doctors things that they then have to go and find out about! He’s very clued up on it. It’s good."
Swim manager at Nuffield Health, Zoe Kellett, was inspired to set up the event by Felix’s sister, Betsy, who celebrates her 11th birthday this week and will take part in the swim gala.
Zoe said: “They are the nicest children ever.
“They’re the nicest, sweetest family. When I heard the news, I decided I did want to do something about this.
"The original idea came from Betsy, his older sister, who loves swim galas.
“When Kat, his mum, emailed me regarding Felix because he needed to cancel his lessons for his treatment, it was touching and upsetting because we had seen these children grow up.
"We definitely needed to do something to help, to show that we’re fighting for him, believing in him and telling him that he will get through this.
“Felix has been with us since September 2020.
"In just a few short years, he has progressed from Duckling level to Stage 7, displaying remarkable strength and determination.
"Now, at just eight years old, Felix faces his toughest challenge yet—a two-year journey of treatment for leukaemia.
“This gala is our way of showing Felix and his family that they are not alone.
"We want to help make a dream come true for Felix — and then something extra special to celebrate the end of his treatment.
“Additionally, we are raising funds for Candlelighters, a charity that provides vital support to families dealing with childhood cancer in Yorkshire, including funding research and making hospital stays more bearable.”
The gala is open to both members and non-members.
Zoe said that although the initial fundraising goal was £500, the target has already been smashed.
So far there are 47 swimmers signed up.
The day will also feature a prize raffle, a teddy tombola with more than 150 teddies up for grabs, a bake stall, and games. The event runs from 12 noon to 4pm.
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