More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
An appeal to help a schoolboy with cancer has had a boost over the past few weeks.
There have been several fundraising events in support of young Minster resident Oliver Smith, who has the childhood cancer neuroblastoma.
The family of the five-year-old is trying to raise money for treatment he could need abroad if his conditions worsens, which could cost up to £500,000.
At the end of February, there was an online charity auction that raised £2,000.
Fashion chain New Look is supporting the Halfway Houses Primary School pupil throughout 2014, and the manager of the retailer’s Maidstone shop, Jade Morley from Queenborough, organised the Facebook auction.
There were plenty of lots up for grabs, from beauty treatments and clothes to jewellery and days out.
Dozens of people made bids for the items.
Then on Saturday, friends and family of the youngster were at Morrisons at Neats Court to do a sponsored bag pack.
Nine people got involved and asked for donations from shoppers to get their groceries put away.
Altogether, the event raised £472.10.
Separately, a photograph showing Oliver holding up a sign encouraging people to donate to his cause has become popular online.
The picture is a take on the drinking craze NekNomination, which has swept the internet in recent weeks, where people post online videos of themselves ingesting weird or dangerous cocktails before nominating challengers to outdo them.
Oliver is hoping that, instead of taking part in the risky game, people will text a donation to his cause and nominate two friends to do the same.
Since the image was posted on Facebook, it has been shared more than 200 times and there have been about 50 donations.
Oliver’s mum, Natalie, of Coral Road, Minster, said: “I would like to thank Jade very much for all her hard work.
“I’m delighted with how much the auction raised and am grateful to everyone who got involved and was so generous.
“I’d also like to thank everyone who helped with the bag pack, and all the shoppers who donated money.”
