Community fund-raiser for four-year-old Bury cancer patient

A four-year-old Bury St Edmunds boy who is being treated for kidney cancer is to have an extra special Christmas - thanks to a community fund-raiser.

Hardwick Primary School pupil Kodie Pollock was diagnosed with a Wilms’ tumour on his left kidney in June and is undergoing chemotherapy.

His plight inspired John Tarpley, whose wife Clare is a dinner lady at Kodie’s school, to organise a sponsored three and a half hour skip with his friends.

They raised £465 and counting which will pay for a trip to London for Kodie and his family as well as a ride on the London Eye and a treat at Hamley’s.

His mum Simone Wilby, 30, of Woodside Close, who will donate the remaining funds to a children’s cancer charity, said: “I can’t thank them enough. I had never spoken to John until he said he would love to do something for Kodie. I was so shocked someone would be so kind. It’s quite a rare thing I think.”

Kodie was diagnosed with after suffering pain in his kidney area. After the tumour was discovered, he started chemotherapy straight away and had an operation to remove the kidney and tumour in July. He is contuining chemo until the end of January.

Miss Wilby said: “I was quite shocked and upset when I first heard. I’m a mum so you have to be strong. He’s amazing and dealt with everything so well. He’s been absolutely brilliant with the whole thing.”

Mr Tarpley, 29, said: “I just wanted to help and do something to put a smile on his face.” He thanked everyone who donated and took part with a special thanks to Marc Florian, who is a taxi driver and gave up his Friday and Saturday to take part. If you would like to donate email Mr Tarpley’s wife via clare.peters313@btinternet.com