A BOY whose cruel cancer battle had to resume days before Christmas after spending two happy years in remission will watch an army of well-wishers walk more than 20 miles from his hospital in Leeds to his beloved Barnsley Football Club’s home.
Oliver Stephenson, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma almost five years ago to the day, had beaten the illness having travelled to New York when fundraisers generated more than £250,000 for him to have specialist treatment.
However, medics confirmed it had returned and he has already completed his first round of chemotherapy in recent weeks.
A new fundraiser which generated more than £5,000 within hours of it going live is set to be added to when dozens of people walk or run from Leeds General Infirmary to Oakwell in time for the Reds’ Yorkshire derby clash against Huddersfield Town on February 15.
The idea which was started by couple Jess Hall and Shane Palmer, both 32 has snowballed since and people have been flocking to sign up to the event.
They will set off from the hospital’s Clarendon Wing where the nine-year-old has been receiving treatment in time to see Oliver meet his favourite Barnsley players if all goes to plan.
“We’ve been aware of Oliver’s battle since lockdown so when I told Laura (Oliver’s mum) that we were wanting to do something for him, she was happy for us to do so,” Jess, who is a neighbour of the Stephensons, told the Chronicle.
“It started off when my partner, Shane, said he’d put on a weighted vest to complete the journey.
“Then I said I’d run it, but I’ve had about 20 people contact me saying they want to get involved.
“We’re hopeful many more will join us either from Leeds or on our way to Barnsley through Wakefield and Newmillerdam.
“We’re wanting to raise awareness and generate money for Oliver on what is a very important event in the calendar for youngsters and parents as it’s International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15.
“Oliver’s having treatment in Leeds but we’ve got everything crossed that he’ll be able to see us arrive at Oakwell before meeting his favourite players.
“We’ve been in touch with the football club and had support from local businesses already but anything that people can do to help or join in would be very much appreciated.”
Oliver who has recently excelled as a goalkeeper had complained about a pain in his ribs but it was initially put down to diving for the ball but his parents’ and medics’ diligence resulted in an X-ray being carried out to rule anything out.
However, it discovered two tumours, which then saw Oliver be rushed for treatment.
Oliver who was on hairdressing duty last weekend when he shaved Shane’s prized mullet off after his recent chemotherapy course had resulted in him losing his own is now at home and ‘feeling brighter’ before his next round begins on Monday.
Proud of Barnsley award winner Laura added: “Oliver has enjoyed seeing family and friends and has even tried a few bites of food for the first time in a week.
“He has now lost his hair and is extremely nervous about people seeing him.
“Our neighbour also cheered Oliver up by letting him shave his much-loved mullet off during the shave Oliver smiled for the first time all day.
“He’s currently on a ‘recovery’ week after his chemo he started the week feeling good and even made it to school on Monday for a short time.
“However, the chemotherapy then got to work on his body and from there his recovery has been a tough slog for him and he has needed bloods, platelets, antibiotics and constant IV fluids.
“I am lost for words and struggling to describe the kindness and thoughtfulness that we have been shown by everyone.
“It really does make a difference and makes this road feel a little less daunting knowing we’re not alone.”
