The mother of four-year-old cancer sufferer Liam Phillips is joining the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help other parents in similar situations.
Liam featured on the front page of The Voice last month after the charity arranged for the Cowbit youngster to meet his hero, Spider-Man.
Claire Phillips is very thankful for Make-A-Wish’s support and the trip which Liam describes as “his best day ever” and has applied to be a volunteer supporter.
She said: “I just want to be able to help other parents in the way we have been.”
Claire and husband Stuart are having to play a waiting game with Liam’s condition, which was thought to have been beaten but returned in a “one in a million” chance.
The youngster currently has a small tumour on his right adrenal gland and has twice had tumours on his left adrenal gland – which was then removed – and liver.
Claire said: “The latest tumour is stable and the general consensus from consultants is that it will disappear.
“But this is the third time of him having it and I have to say I’m not convinced.”
There is no history of cancer within the family but Liam’s parents were told that he had a tumour on an adrenal gland just two days after Claire gave birth via an emergency C-section in September 2009. Doctors told them that the 5cm by 5cm growth had spread to his liver and was likely to prove fatal.
They diagnosed neuroblastama and after a spell of treatment, Liam’s condition steadily improved.
However, ongoing urine tests to monitor the situation indicated a problem and in 2012 it was discovered that tumours had returned to his left adrenal gland and liver.
Claire said: “The consultant said the chance of a recurrence was one in a million.”
During his spell in hospital to remove the gland, Liam caught pneumonia and collapsed lung.
Then in August last year the tumour on the right adrenal gland was spotted.
Claire said: “We’re quite open with him and have told him everything that has gone on. Fortunately he is quite well with it.”
Liam was nominated for the May trip to London to meet Spider-man by Rachel Beresford, a long-time friend of Claire’s and owner of Munchkins Kindergarten in Spalding.
Rachel, who is part of the Peterborough Make-A-Wish ball committee, said: “Liam’s a lovely little boy and charismatic.
“I fell in love with the type of work Make-A-Wish do. Liam’s situation has made it real to me – it’s personal.”
“He’s going to be guest of honour at this year’s ball.”
Tickets for the event at Peterborough’s Holiday Inn on November 8 are £85 and include a four-course meal and entertainment. Email Gina Wrench at [email protected] to book.
Make-A-Wish grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions.
