Ten-year-old with cancer raises thousands for toys in Essex hospital
A girl from Chelmsford has raised £2,400 with the help of her school friends to donate toys to children’s wards at Broomfield Hospital
A ten-year-old with cancer has raised thousands to provide toys to children's wards at an Essex hospital
Amber Butcher from Chelmsford was diagnosed with Osteosarcome - an aggressive bone cancer - at age nine.
Needing chemotherapy, her illness meant she had to stay in isolation on the children’s ward at Broomfield hospital, meaning she couldn't use the ward’s playroom
But the hospital team provided Amber and her younger sister Lyla brand-new toys to enjoy together during these difficult stays.
When Amber learned the toys were donated, she decided she wanted to give something back.
With the help of her friends and her school, The Beaulieu Park School, Amber organised a cake sale and online fundraiser and raised £2,400.
The money has gone to buy toys for other young patients, like Amber, on the children's wards at Broomfield Hospital.
Amber’s mum Victoria said: “The play team were incredible. They made sure Amber and Lyla could play together despite the isolation. We feel so lucky to have had such support from the hospital and our school community.”
Clair Dade, Fundraising Coordinator at Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “Amber’s courage is truly inspirational. This donation will bring joy to many children and we’re so grateful to Amber, her friends and her school for their generosity.”
Amber has now completed chemotherapy and continues to attend weekly physio and hydrotherapy sessions as part of her recovery.