"SCARED" parents are appealing for help to fund life-saving treatment for their son.
Five-year-old Ellis Wild, a boy with a heart of gold from Writtle, Chelmsford, is facing an immense challenge.
After he was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma at the age of three, parents Tracy and Amy have been locked in a battle against their son's aggressive and rare cancer, which offers a low chance of long-term survival.
Despite the successful removal of most of his primary tumour and rigorous chemotherapy, Ellis suffered a relapse.
Read more:
- Splash Out water obstacle course at Maldon's Promenade Park
- Cap and Feathers pub in Tillingham voted as most improved
He underwent two trials, at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Southampton, and is currently undergoing palliative oral chemotherapy offered by NHS.
The disease's relentless progression has led the family to explore international medical trials, specifically a CAR T Cell therapy in Rome, which comes with a €270,000 price tag.
The family have launched a fundraising drive to support the funding.
Ellis's parents said: "We remember thinking that Ellis had been through all this and for what?
"He was back to where he started. In fact, he was worse than when he started. How can this be fair?
"We so glad we've met some lovely people along the way, as they made this journey more bearable - caring nurses, kind charity workers and the other amazing children and families that are also fighting their own battles or have sadly lost theirs.
For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
"We are so scared. If this doesn't work then there’s nothing left in the UK that could help him."
Tracy and Amy have launched the 'Buy Ellis a Coffee to Save His Life Challenge', urging people to donate £3.50 - the price of a decent cup of coffee.
As the family fights against time and strives to provide their son with the best possible chance at life, they are appealing for support from the public.
To help out and donate, visit Ellis's Just Giving Page.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here