In loving memory of Olivier - 'Our Golden Boy'

On 26th March 2022 our 5 year old son Olivier sadfully passed away.

Just 7 months earlier, our 'fit and healthy' little boy, was diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumour known as a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). DIPG is a highly malignant and aggressive brain cancer located in the brain stem, almost exclusively affecting children. There is currently no known cure.

The location of the tumour in the brain stem, and the fact that malignant cells scatter amongst healthy cells, makes it impossible to remove, and because it affects the area of the brain which controls the major functions of the body this disease caused Olivier to lose the use of his whole body over a 7 month period, and ultimately took his life. Olivier's mind was not affected by the tumour so he was fully conscious of what was happening to him as the tumour advanced, trapping him in his own body.

* DIPG affects children, mainly between the ages of 2 and 12

* Just 30 - 40 children are diagnosed with DIPG in the UK each year

* The average life expectancy post-diagnosis is less than 12 months

* There is no known cure - DIPG is TERMINAL on diagnosis

* Radiotherapy is the only known treatment, however it only provides a temporary relief in shrinking tumours, that subsequently grow back more aggressively than ever

Whilst new research into DIPG is taking place, there are currently no clinical trials or experimental treatments in the UK. The absence of any further treatment in the UK other than palliative radiotherapy, means that families like ours have little option but to try to seek alternative and potentially life extending treatments in the USA or in Europe. These trials can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. We know too well the difficulty for parents in researching what treatment is available overseas and fundraising to try to access such treatments, whilst also caring for a sick child, who you have been told has only a few months left to live.

In memory of our son Olivier, we would like to support a specific DIPG charity, ABBIE'S ARMY. This charity is similar to other DIPG charities in that it was set up by brokenhearted parents, who faced the same difficulties and challenges that we faced. There is very little funding into DIPG research from government or the large cancer research charities and as such the cause to find and fund a cure for this disease is taken up by the families of the children who have already endured so much.

Unlike the national cancer charities, no one in connection with Abbie's Army receives payment or benefits of any kind which means that almost every penny donated goes towards where it is most needed - the funding of vital DIPG research! Abbie's Army is currently involved in lots of different initiatives, including the funding of a first of its kind clinical trial for 12 UK DIPG patients using CAR-T cell therapy opening summer 2022. Additional monies raised may help to expand this trial to more DIPG patients in the UK and give a small amount of hope to families where currently there is none. Abbie's Army is also in discussions with other bodies to try to bring further trials and research to the UK in the short term.

We are so grateful for all of the support and kindness we have received over the last 7 months. Please help us to support this wonderful charity as it strives to help towards finding a cure or treatment for this awful disease which has taken our precious son at such a young age.

All monies raised through this fundraiser are paid directly to Abbie's Army. As it is a registered charity, UK residents will also have the option of increasing the donation the charity receives through Gift Aid.

Richard & Marina x