THE parents of an inspirational Gawber youngster who died of terminal cancer last year have continued to fundraise in memory of their son - and they completed the Sheffield 10K at the weekend.
Oliver Howe, eight, was first diagnosed with cancer in September 2020 and, despite everything, always had a smile on his face.
Four years ago this month, Oliver woke his parents, David and Laura, at 4am to tell them that his brain hurt.
Oliver was rushed to Sheffield Children’s Hospital for lifesaving surgery that lasted almost ten hours, successfully removing 80 per cent of the growth.
What followed was two and a half years of heartache and hope as the family cherished every moment whilst Oliver underwent cancer treatment.
He received nine surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments on The Children’s Hospital Charity-funded cancer and leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
After ringing the cancer treatment bell in 2021, the disease devastatingly returned later that year and he died on February 1, 2023.
His parents vowed to continue his fundraising journey and are aiming to raise £100,000 for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital - after Oliver himself helped raised thousands for the site.
As a thank you for Oliver’s care, David and Laura Howe set up a Memory Meadow on the first anniversary of Oliver’s death - and they’re now hopeful of reaching their first milestone after competing in the Sheffield 10K - an event Oliver attended himself.
David said: “There is nothing better than knowing you’re helping some child and their family who are going through something similar to ours and I know from experience that every penny that we raise for Sheffield Children’s does make a difference.
“Oliver was looking down on us on Sunday with his famous big smile and be proud of the work Team Oliver Howe continues to do in his name.”
Oliver’s mum, Laura, added: “We will always try and turn things into a positive as this is what Oliver would want.
“Our lives now are about keeping Oliver’s legacy alive, and we hope people will never forget what an amazing young man he was.
“Oliver will always be the strongest, bravest, kindest, happiest person we will ever know.
“Everything he went through inspires others and makes the world such a better place.”
Cheryl Davidson, head of community and events at The Children’s Hospital Charity, has praised Laura and David for the work they are doing.
She added: ““Oliver continues to be an inspiration to all that knew him.
“We’re incredibly proud of Team Oliver Howe.
“Funds raised at events like the Sheffield 10K help Sheffield Children’s go above and beyond, and Oliver benefited from charity fundraising throughout his treatment.
“We are so grateful for brave supporters like David and Laura who channel their grief into giving back - it’s just amazing.”
To donate to Oliver’s story follow the link: https://events.tchc.org.uk/fundraisers/davidhowe2380/in-memory-of-oliver-george-howe
