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Let's give Ryder fighting chance

Alice McKeegan
19/ 7/2008

HE family of a four-year-old boy battling a rare form of brain cancer are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for treatment that could save his life.

Relatives in Rochdale were devastated when Ryder Evans-Brockett was diagnosed with an inoperable tumour after suffering a seizure less than three months ago.

Doctors told his worried family, who moved to Canada five years ago, that he would have a 30 per cent chance of survival if he underwent chemotherapy to tackle the aggressive cancer.

But the treatment can cost up to $2,800 per day.

His first round of treatment has been funded by a Canadian charity but his family have to cover the costs of medical expenses, prescriptions, home care, special equipment and respite provisions.

Every day Ryder has to take 10 different drugs to control his condition, ranging from anti-nausea treatments to drugs to protect his organs from the chemotherapy which he will have to endure for the next four months.

His dad, Jimi Brockett, aged 37, was born and brought up in Rochdale, attending Balderstone High School, before moving to Canada five years ago, where he met his partner Nicole. They fell in love and their dreams came true when shortly afterwards she fell pregnant with Ryder.

Speaking from outside the children’s hospital in Vancouver where Ryder is being treated, Jimi said: "He’s an amazing boy. He’s so ridiculously strong that it’s mind blowing.

"He was kicking a football around with me this week and the doctors are totally amazed with his progress. I’m so proud of him and I think he’s a lot stronger than most adults."

Even though Ryder was born in Canada, he has strong ties to Rochdale and visited the town on a number of occasions in 2005.

His aunt Jacquie also hopes to visit Ryder next year and keeps in touch regularly with her brother’s family through the internet.

Jimi added: "We brought Ryder back to Rochdale a few times to visit my family in 2005 and I think his English blood is helping to keep him strong. Nicole’s parents are English as well so he’s an English boy really.

"The community where we live has been fantastic but it would be great if Rochdale Observer readers could donate or offer their support. His treatment is so expensive and we really appreciate the support."

The couple also hope that family and friends in Rochdale will support Ryder’s brave fight for survival. They’ve even set up a website to update their loved ones back home, including Jimi’s sister Jacquie.

The 39-year-old, of Bracken Lee Fold, Norden, is helping to coordinate the fund-raising campaign in the UK.

She said: "Ryder is a lovely boy. He’s so quick and clever. I was absolutely devastated when he was diagnosed.

"At first the doctors weren’t sure what was happening to Ryder because it happened so quickly. His nursery noticed slight changes in his behaviour over a week and then he had a massive seizure.

"He was rushed to hospital where he had various scans and brain cancer was diagnosed. It’s very rare and they said the tumour is like an icing sugar coating on his brain."

The Hopwood Hall beauty therapy lecturer is hosting a family fun day at Animal Quackers, Huttock Top Farm, Bacup, on Monday with all proceeds going to Ryder’s trust fund.

To donate to the appeal or read the family’s journal, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/ryder