A SEVEN year-old cancer survivor has set himself a challenge of riding a horse 1.5 miles around Aintree Racecourse to help other children like him create memories.
On January 28 2022, Daniella Stuchberry and Liam Stuchberry from Haydock noticed a pinprick rash on their five-year-old son’s eyelid.
Concerned it could be something like meningitis, they decided to go to St Helens Walk in Centre. The incredible staff there knew something wasn’t right so sent him to Whiston for more tests.
The next day he was diagnosed with leukaemia and further tests and treatment at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital which started the following morning, diagnosed the English Martyrs Primary pupil with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia which is one of the more common childhood cancers.
Charlie has undergone a lot of treatment, but thanks to the quick actions and diligence of his parents, the aware staff at St Helens Walk-In centre and his bravery, on Monday, March 11 2024, Charlie rung the end of treatment bell at Alder Hey signifying an end to his gruelling treatment.
Despite it being just eight weeks since he rang the bell, and still having mobility issues, the brave little boy has now set himself the challenge to ride his beloved pony Bobby Dazzler around the 1.5 mile racecourse at Aintree to raise funds for The Owen McVeigh Foundation.
The foundation funds days out and experiences for children battling cancer.
Charlie’s proud mum Daniella, who used to train at the racecourse, said: “Charlie is doing really well now, he still has his port in so he’s susceptible to infections but over these two years he’s been to several events for Owen McVeigh and he wanted to do something himself.
“We were really nervous about it but he said he wanted to do it and we came up with an idea to include his horse as he’s not up for doing a sponsored walk or anything yet.
“We got his pony for him to learn how to independently ride and then he was diagnosed with leukaemia so he’s been really keen to go back on Bobby.
“As parents we can’t really describe how proud we are of Charlie, he’s so young and has gone through so much and he’s such a lovely boy. This has been his idea and everyone has been so supportive.
“The Jockey Club have been on board with the idea from the start after I called them and Charlie’s school even did a superhero day to raise funds for the fundraisers which has currently got £800 raised for Owen McVeigh.
“The foundation is amazing, even though Mark lost Owen to cancer, he tries so hard to fundraise so children like Charlie can have amazing memories and days out.
“Any donation – or if you cant afford to donte then please share the fundraising page – means so much.”
Charlie’s Aintree challenge will take place at the racecourse on June 30.
To donate go to justgiving.com/page/charlies-horse-ride
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