Chances for Charlie.

Hi, my name is Matt and the boy pictured is my half-brother, Charlie. Charlie is 11 years old and from Northants.

On Friday evening, the 22nd of March 2024, our lives would change forever. My Dad called me to tell me the news that Charlie has a brain tumour and that it's inoperable, with a life expectancy of 9-12 months, providing he goes on to have radiotherapy treatment.

Charlie has an aggressive tumour called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). This type of tumour typically affects 20-30 people a year in the UK (normally children aged 5-10). More information can be found on the following website:

https://www.brainresearchuk.org.uk/research-project/brain-tumours-dipg-finding-new-treatmentschris-jones#:~:text=About%20DIPG&text=It%20is%20the%20second%20most,%2C%20swallowing%2C%20eyesight%20and%20balance.

I can't really begin to describe the hurt, anguish and trauma this news has caused us all as a family. My dad and step-mum should not be contemplating burying their child and my half-brother. Charlie will also leave behind a younger sister and brother. I find myself writing this with tears, but we have time, whereas Charlie doesn't... and that's what leads me here.

I need your help so that Charlie can fulfil a wishlist as long as your arm, whilst he still has the chance to. Any money you donate will go towards making precious memories for the family, and will enable my dad and step-mum to take the time to care for Charlie and enjoy the time they have left. You really can make a difference!

Charlie now knows he has a brain tumour and whilst my dad was cuddling Charlie on the bed in hospital, Charlie responded,

"Dad! You are cuddling me so much lately. Go and cuddle your wife."

That's the kind, selfless boy Charlie is. The first thing on Charlie's wishlist is to go to school so he can see his friends. It's utterly heartbreaking writing this that I can't comprehend the level of pain and this is just the very beginning.

I totally appreciate that times are hard right now for everyone. I know that most people have had their wallets stretched beyond breaking point for the last few years. If you can't donate, that's ok. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Would you mind sharing this with everyone in your contacts and socials? Also, if you happen to be friends with Tom Holland, could you get him to reach out, please?

Lastly, please do have a read of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), particularly if you have children. There were no symptoms for Charlie until it was too late, but there can be, and it might buy you some time.

Thank you!

Matthew