Warm hearted well wishers turned out to a fundraising day to help the family of a brave little girl battling cancer.
Four-year-old Olivia Phillips’ parents Louise Ashcroft, 35 and Jon Phillips, 40 from Little Sutton received the devastating news that she had the disease last month. She has two brothers, Liam, 14, and Ryan, five.
The plight of Olivia, being cared for in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital with hepatoblastoma, a rare tumour that originates in the liver and has spread to her lungs, has touched hearts across the town.
Friends and family rallied round and fundraising began in earnest with friends Sarah Tattersall and Kate Hodgenia setting up a Justgiving page which quickly passed the £5,000 mark with one anonymous donation of £1,000. That has now reached £6,625.
Other fundraising was given a huge boost of £1,051 from a car wash at the Woodland on Chester Road, Whitby.
But Sunday saw events and activities at the Vauxhall Sports and Social Club on Rivacre Road which brought in an astonishing £3,200 plus.
Organiser Jo Foster said the fundraising day itself, which ran from noon to 4pm, raised £1716.11 while a sponsored football match involving Vauxhall Astras Under 9s and Ellesmere Port Little Fighters, which kicked off an hour earlier, pushed the total well beyond the £3,000 mark.
Jo said: “Thank you once again for everyone’s help, you are all super stars."
The day had promised something for everyone with a huge list of generously donated amazing prizes to be won.
It included a secret auction, a raffle, tombola, games, music, live singing, dancers, Disney characters coming to visit, face painting, a glitter tattoo artist, stalls and much more.
Santa joined in and children visiting him in his grotto each had a gift. Attractions included a DJ/entertainer, photographs with Olaf and Cinderella plus Belle from Beauty and the Beast thanks to Sivisa Parties and Events.
Amazing animals visited courtesy of Animals Take Over. There was no entrance fee although donations were welcome.
Fantastic response
Family friends say Olivia has battled through so much in the last four weeks and has been through operation after operation but she still has a long long way to go. Although she is fighting the disease she still giggles and is ‘an absolutely amazing, incredible, beautiful little girl!”
The event was held to raise funds to help Olivia’s parents whilst they are off work living in the Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey to be with Olivia on a daily basis.
Organisers pointed out Olivia had captured the hearts of so many and with peoples’ continued support they could hopefully offer some comfort to her parents.
“We may not be able to take the pain away but hopefully relieving them from financial strain will help take some worry away,” said Jo.
An overwhelming amount of people had offered their time or donations.
A spokesperson for the family said last week: “On behalf of Olivia, Jon, Louise, Liam and Ryan the family would like to once again thank each and everyone of you for your continued prayers and support.
“Olivia is doing well and still continues to put up a tough fight. She is being so brave and we are all extremely proud of her.”
Social support
With friends continuing to pray for Olivia every minute of every day, people can follow Olivia’s journey on her Facebook page ‘Olivia’s Story’.
Wellwishers say: “The family and friends of Olivia are so grateful for everyone’s kind gestures, good wishes and prayers. Olivia will fight this and will get to see all those amazing characters over in Disney land once this nightmare is over.”
Other fundraising in the town has included over £450 from the Early Learning Academy, £400 from the TMF at Capenhurst, £800 from Star Beauty and £56 from the Little Bears Preschool at St Bernard’s.
Upcoming events
On Saturday December 5 a ‘Hack 4 Hope’ Christmas themed ride will take place to help raise funds towards the Disneyland ‘trip of a lifetime’ for Olivia and her family.
The day will start in the car park at the Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston at 11am where riders, horses and walker will gather to hack to Park Field in Parkgate where refreshments will be available.
On the return route to the Wirral Country Park, the hack intends to proceed along the beach.
Riders are being encouraged to come along in a fancy dress, Christmas theme for the ride, although this is not compulsory.
Sponsorship forms can be collected from the Wirral Riding Centre or can be requested via email to lilypeapod@hotmail.co.uk.
To finish off an action packed weekend of fundraising, an auction and raffle will be held at the MacDonald Craxton Wood Hotel and Spa, Ledsham at 6pm.
Admission is £5, under 16s free.
Did you go along to the fundraising day? How are you helping Olivia and family? Let us know in the comments below
