Over £4,000 has been raised at a special fundraising event for Southport schoolboy Lewis Wright as he battles cancer.
The event took place at the Southport Coaster pub on Lord Street in Southport town centre on Friday night (14th July 2023), two days before Lewis celebrated his 15th birthday in Alder Hey children’s hospital in Liverpool.
The Birkdale High School pupil is currently undergoing a week of chemotherapy treatment in Manchester, ahead of a cord blood transplant.
Lewis will be given a boost by the huge support he was given by local people at the charity night in his honour on Friday evening.
The ‘Fundraiser Event – The Child of Courage In Aid Of Lewis Wright’ featured live music by Blind Wave with music provided by event DJ Jeff Wall.
Guests bought raffle tickets for £1 each with loads of great prizes available to win. Orange ribbons were on sale for £1 each with pin badges on sale at £2.
There was a donation bucket on the bar where people could donate.
All proceeds 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.
Mark Brown, a Manager at Southport Coaster, said: “The grand total we raised at our fundraising event for Lewis Wright on Friday night was £4,067.
“We would like to thank everyone in Southport and all the local businesses for supporting this fantastic cause.
Lewis Wright, from Southport, celebrates his 15th birthday in Alder Hey children’s hospital in Liverpool
“A big thank you to Gell for organising such a fantastic night and a big shout out to Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns for coming and supporting us too.”
Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns said: “On Friday night I attended a charity night at the Southport Coaster pub.
“I felt so welcome and although the event was to raise money for children’s charities the atmosphere was one of positivity.
“I send my love to Lewis Wright and all his family as he goes through his treatment.”
Lewis’ Mum, Kayleigh Sherran, has posted an update ahead of her son’s operation.
She said: “I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone for all Lewis’ birthday wishes, messages, cards, gifts, donations and overall support throughout this journey.
“Every day is a new battle, a new symptom or side effect and guaranteed a new emotion.
“Our next journey starts now and to say we are all nervous is an understatement.
“Lewis is also worried and it breaks my heart when his infectious smile disappears and the tears and fear start to show.
“No matter how much I try to reassure him he knows this time is very different to every other new journey we have been on and he knows this next one will be the hardest to date.
“Please know that your messages of love and support never go unnoticed and I will let everyone know how he’s doing as and when I physically and emotionally can.
“Thank you all again from Lewis, Myself, Stu, Caitlin and the whole family.”
The courageous Southport schoolboy is battling cancer for the third time.
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.
— Mayor of Sefton (@SeftonMayor) July 17, 2023
Mum, Kayleigh Sherran, said: “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.
“Please please keep our boy in your thoughts and thank you for everyone’s continued love and support.”
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