THE family of a brave 10-year-old boy – who is desperately fighting to get his childhood back – are continuing their mission to get him specialist treatment.
Dillon Wilford, from Sharples, was diagnosed with CRPS (Complex regional pain syndrome), dubbed the “suicide disease”, in February, three months after he woke up with a limp, and with agonising pain in his leg.
The family are hoping to raise £100,000 to send Dillon to America for specialist treatment, which is only available there.
So far, they have raised £26,226 on the GoFundMe fundraiser set up by his cousin Jessica Roestenburg McCluskey.
Ten-year-old fighting for childhood - after “suicide disease” diagnosis
To help them reach their goal, they will be holding a special golf tournament, and a family disco.
His sister Maddison Cresswell aged 24 - who helps look after Dillon with her mum Melanie Wilford – said: “The kindness and generosity we’ve already experienced has been incredible.
“We’ve cried happy, grateful tears.
“My cousin Jessica, who has put the fundraiser together, has given us a bit of hope.
“Our priority is Dillon and getting him better, so that he can live his life again.
“We want to do something to continue raising funds and awareness whilst giving something fun back.
“Dunscar Golf Club and the pro Andy Green have been amazing and donated the course for the day free of charge to support Dillon’s fundraiser.
“Dillon and the family can’t wait to go and celebrate his bravery."
The day will start with 18 holes of golf, and is £150 per team of four, which includes a BBQ at the end of the round.
An evening adult and child ticket will be included for all golf entrants.
The bar will also be open for refreshments.
Once all teams have finished, there will be a presentation where prizes will be awarded for the best scores.
This will be followed by an evening of family fun with a DJ, raffle, and auction, from 7pm - 12am.
Maddison said: “We’re organising something fun to gather local people including Dillon’s friends and family together to raise money for Dillon and raise awareness of the horrible disease that is CRPS.”
Tickets for the evening are £7.50 per adult, with one child free with each adult ticket, which includes a pie and pea supper.
To register your team and book a tee time contact Andy Green @ Dunscar Golf club on 07814 018384.
To book tickets for the evening contact Helen on 07877008060.
The family is also asking for any kind donations towards the raffle, auction, balloons/decor etc from businesses or individuals.
Dillon’s condition is associated with the imbalance and malfunction of the autonomic nervous system.
It means that Dillon can’t even stand wind or rain on his leg without the most “horrific attacks of pain”, causing hours of high-pitched screaming.
There is no cure for it at the moment other than treatment at the Spero Clinic, in Arkansas, USA.
The treatment is expected to help get Dillon into remission.
Although there is little research, the research that exists shows that early diagnosis and treatment form the best chances of remission.
Click here (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dillon-get-treatment) if you would like to donate to the fundraiser.
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