Courageous Southport schoolboy Lewis Wright, who is battling cancer for the third time, will undergo a cord blood transplant next week.
Proud Mum Kayleigh Sherran said today that “We’ve been told about every risk involved along the way and believe me there are so many it scares the life out of me – but if anyone can fight this battle Lewis can.”
Lewis, a pupil at Birkdale High School, will celebrate his 15th birthday this Sunday in Alder Hey children’s Hospital in Liverpool ahead of a week of chemotherapy followed by an operation in Manchester.
Tonight (Friday, 14th July 2023) from 5pm, people are being urged to support a special fundraising event for Lewis Wright at the Southport Coaster pub on Lord Street in Southport town centre.
The ‘Fundraiser Event – The Child of Courage In Aid Of Lewis Wright’ will feature live music by Blind Wave with music provided by event DJ Jeff Wall.
Guests are being invited to buy raffle tickets for just £1 each with loads of great prizes available to win.
Orange ribbons can be bought for £1 each with pin badges on sale at £2 each.
Lewis Wright. Photo by Kayleigh Sherran
There will be a donation bucket on the bar.
All proceeds raised will go to the family of Lewis Wright and to cancer charities including Children With Cancer UK and Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group.
People can also donate to a GoFundMe fundraiser for Lewis that has been set up by Paul Hodge here.
Over £2,300 has been raised already towards a £3,000 target.
Lewis was initially diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in July 2020, just four days before his 12th birthday.
He then endured a tough few months of gruelling chemotherapy treatment at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool before he was declared cancer free in March 2021.
Boyzone star Ronan Keating was so impressed by Lewis’ bravery – and an online video of him singing – that he phoned him to wish him well during his initial ordeal.
Lewis then overcame cancer a second time with more gruelling treatment before the latest devastating news.
Today his Mum, Kayleigh Sherran, shared an update saying: “I haven’t updated for a while as it’s been a complete roller coaster these past three weeks.
“I think the last time I updated Lewis was about to start another round of chemotherapy in the hope of him being in remission ready for his transplant.
“Lewis struggled with chemo and suffered the usual side effects but soldiered through as always.
“While having his chemo Lewis started with pain again and after more surgery, scans and cameras it was found Lewis had a 10cm deep abscess (perianal abscess).
“He’s been on strong painkillers and lots of IV antibiotics but despite this he’s still struggling now due to it taking so long to heal because of his low immune system.
Lewis Wright. Photo by Kayleigh Sherran
“Last week we went to Manchester for a meeting to discuss Lewis’ treatment plan and we were told everything was in place as long as his latest bone marrow biopsy came back cleared of leukemic blasts or at least minimal blasts. If this wasn’t the case they would make the decision to stop all treatment and he would be under palliative care.
“We received his results and were devastated to be told he had more Leukemic Blasts than the previous biopsy and we feared the worst.
“For four days heartbroken we waited for a decision to be made about Lewis’ future, finally we were told that Manchester and a Nationwide Team have agreed to take the chance and accept Lewis in transplant and give him the only chance he has left.
“We have been told about every risk involved along the way and believe me there are so many it scares the life out of me, but if anyone can fight this battle Lewis can.
“His strength and resilience shines through on the good days and the bad and this boy of ours has so much more to give.
“He’s fighting to live and that makes us so proud.
“On Sunday he will celebrate his 15th birthday in Alder Hey then first thing Monday he will be transported over to Manchester Children’s Hospital to begin a week of intense chemotherapy followed by his Cord Blood Transplant followed by seven days of granulocyte infusions.
“After this it’s down to how his body responds.
“We have been told he may need up to three months in Manchester but he is fighting to be well enough that they let him out for our wedding before then.
“Please please keep our boy in your thoughts and again thank you for everyone’s continued love and support xXx”
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