The Bedale community came together at the Bedale Sports Club and Community Centre to show their support for the Cuthbert family, whose son Bailey is undergoing treatment at the RVI in Newcastle.
The bingo evening was attended by 150 local friends of the family including Bailey’s aunties Tracy, Charlene and Tasha and Nana Anne.
lso attending were colleagues from Solemates in Ripon where Elaine worked, staff from Bedale High School and John and Sue Young from Gilling West.
John had sarcoma surgery in 2016 at the RVI and John shares the same consultant as Bailey at the RVI.
The evening raised £3,389 on the night plus an amazing additional donation of £2,500 from the Mike Potter Charitable Foundation and £692 raised by the pupils at Bedale CE Primary School who ‘WORE BLUE FOR BAILEY’ on their last day in school before the summer break.
Mum Elaine said: “Bailey is currently on week four of chemotherapy, so this is our fourth consecutive week in hospital in Newcastle.
“We have been here Monday to Friday with occasional weekends at home. Bailey is coping OK so far, but he had a couple of infections earlier on. He is hopefully on a two-week break from chemo to let his bloods recover, before starting again for another 16 weeks before he has his surgery to remove the tumour.
“His surgery is still very much in the planning stage and is dependent on how he responds to the chemo. Last time, he had to have his fibula removed as part of the limb-saving surgery and put in to replace the bones removed in his arm. He will then begin chemo again for another 21 weeks.
“It is difficult being away from home from husband Dean and son Freddie and it is emotionally draining. Bailey however remains upbeat and positive, and he has a brilliant set of pals who have supported him throughout his last treatment and continue to support him.”
Organiser Martyn Coombs said: “It really is heartwarming to see so many of our wonderful community coming together for such a worthy cause and giving of their time and money so freely.
“I have never seen so many raffle prizes donated by so many individuals and businesses and for that, we are all so very grateful. When the chips are down, people really are so very generous and they all came together to express their love and support for the Cuthberts.
“The final figure will be announced in due course as there is still some money outstanding.”
Bingo caller Pete Durrans thanked the voluntary bar staff, all those who donated prizes for the raffle, everyone who attended the evening or made donations in lieu and Martyn for bringing it together.
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