Filey boy, 11, battling bone cancer receives “unreal” community support

Archie, 11, was on a day trip with the school in June when he hurt his leg, but after repeated trips to the doctor as the pain refused to go away, Archie’s mum, Sammy, began to realise that something may be seriously wrong.

She said: “It didn’t seem too bad at first — just a bit sore — so we thought it was something muscular.

“Archie rested his leg and took paracetamol, as you do, but after a week, it didn’t seem to be getting any better, but it wasn’t worse either.”

Sammy took Archie to the doctors, who said he’d probably just twisted his leg and advised him to rest, but another week went by, and there was still no improvement.

Sammy said: “We went back to the doctors a few times, but we really weren’t getting anywhere.

“Eventually, we pushed for more answers, and they agreed to refer us to a physiotherapist.

“We travelled to Malton for his first appointment, where they gave him some exercises and crutches.

“At the next appointment, the physiotherapist wasn’t happy with how Archie’s leg looked — still no improvement — and sent us for an X-ray. “

After X-rays, two CT scans, two MRI’s and more tests, Archie was referred to York for a blood test and was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a rare bone cancer).

Sammy said: “Never in a million years did we suspect cancer!

“We were referred to Birmingham Hospital, where Archie met bone cancer specialists and had more scans and a biopsy.

“Archie should be enjoying his new school, starting Year 7, new classes and new friendships, having family days out, and just being a child.

“Instead, he now faces hospitals, operations, chemotherapy, being in a wheelchair, isolation from his friends and siblings, and so much more.”

The family had planned to visit Disneyland Paris this Christmas but those plans have had to be put on hold due to his treatment.

Archie’s aunt, Christina Makin said: “I jumped before thinking!

“He was really down, so I said - ‘Go next year, Archie - you don’t want to go to Disneyland Paris anyway - you want to go to Disneyworld.

“’You get yourself better and I’m going to fundraise to get you to Disneyworld.’

“I hadn’t even looked to see how much it was!

“I thought maybe £5,000, but it’s £10,000 minimum

“But I said I was going to do it, and I’m not letting him down.”

Christina set up a GoFundMe page in an effort to raise the money, setting an initial target of £5,000.

She said: “The local support has been unreal!

“I’ve set up a GoFundMe and done an Amazon wishlist for Archie and his siblings.

“Ruby, 10, — our little sassy pants who usually hates doing her jobs — has really pulled up her big girl socks and been such a help to Mum.

“And little Louis, 3, Mum’s shadow, is having to get used to sleepovers at Nanny’s and Auntie’s, with his whole routine turned upside down.

“They’re both too young to truly understand, and my heart aches for them too.”

A number of events have been organised to support the fundraising efforts for Archie.

Filey Junior School held a non-uniform day and raised £483, while a family fundraiser on Sunday, November 2 raised an additional £826.

Archie’s friends will take part in a sponsored walk on Saturday, November 8 and have already raised £500.

On Saturday November 15, a fundraiser will be held at Filey Golf Club (for social members only), and a Fundraiser & Race Night at The Ship Inn, Muston will take place on Saturday November 29 - the day before Archie’s 12th birthday.

Christina said: “Tesco in Filey have kindly set up a birthday post box for Archie’s 12th birthday on November 30.

“If you’d like to send Archie a birthday card, you can now simply pop one into the post box while you’re shopping.

“Every message means the world and gives him a little lift — reminding him how many people are cheering him on.”

On Sunday December 7, The Imperial Filey will host a fundraising evening with a female vocalist.

Archie has now begun treatment, and on Monday, November 3, he had his first chemotherapy session

An update on Acrhie’s Cancer Journey Facebook page read: “Today, Archie had his first cocktail of chemotherapy. He’s very sleepy, but in his own words, he’s feeling “good.”

“No child should have to go through treatments that most adults would find overwhelming, yet he is lying quietly, taking it all in his stride, stronger than he should ever need to be.

“Behind every chemo session are the things most people don’t see, the extra steps taken to protect him, the quiet bravery he shows every single day.

“We are so proud of him — more than words will ever say.

“Thank you for walking alongside us.”

You can follow Archie’s Cancer Journey on the Facebook page, or donate to the the GoFundMe page by visiting: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-archies-wish-come-true-hes-a-11-year-old-boy