Home   Dover   News   Article

Fundraising campaign for Bethany Chesterton, of Dover, five, who has terminal cancer, neuroblastoma

A heartbreaking plea has gone out to help a little girl with terminal cancer.

A fundraising page has been set up for Bethany Chesterton, five, of Dover and more money is being raised through a fun day on October 5.

Bethany holding a rabbit at a pet shop. Picture from Facebook courtesy of the Chesterton family
Bethany holding a rabbit at a pet shop. Picture from Facebook courtesy of the Chesterton family

Her mother Jill Chesterton told Kent Online: "We need to get awareness out there that it is children who get cancer too, not just older people."

Doctors on September 13 told Bethany's family that the cancer that first struck her three years ago has now spread and is no longer treatable.

Bethany, who turned five on September 22, only has months left, possibly three to 12.

The only hope left from treatment is to prolong her life for a short while.

A crowdfunding page was set up by family friend Katie Jeffreys.

Bethany Chesterton. Picture from Facebook courtesy of the Chesterton family
Bethany Chesterton. Picture from Facebook courtesy of the Chesterton family

On it she said: "(This is) the most devastating thing a parent can be told.

"So we are asking for your help. The family want to try to create as many memories as they can in these last few precious months and also get some keepsakes.

"Please, if you can, donate and help this lovely family and the beautiful Beth to do so."

Bethany was diagnosed with Stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma in August 2016.

This is a type of cancer that forms in certain types of nerve tissue, most frequently starting from one of the adrenal glands.

It can also develop in the neck, chest abdomen or spine.

A fundraising event takes place for Bethany next week. Picture from Facebook courtesy of the Chesterton family
A fundraising event takes place for Bethany next week. Picture from Facebook courtesy of the Chesterton family

She has now had it for the third time.

The first time, in 2016, it was in her stomach, and the after treatment it came again in August 2018 in the form of two tumours in her head.

Surgery dealt with that but it returned to her hips in Easter this year.

Treatment followed but that failed and it has now spread through her body.

The target figure is £5,000 and by today the JustGiving page registered that 78% of that, £3,935, had been raised.

More details and updates on Bethany's illness are on a specially set up Facebook page, Bethany's Second Fight Against Neuroblastoma.

That was set up after the second diagnosis.

Bethany's plight has been shared widely on other Facebook pages, individual ones and group ones such as Dover for Disgruntled Dovorians.

One of those sharing the donations link on that page was Jessica Lorenz who said on her Facebook page: "We're trying to help raise money so she, her family and younger brother can make as many loving memories together whilst she is still well enough to do so. This is heartbreaking. They are a local family from Dover."

Bethany's father is Robin Chesterton and she has a brother, James, aged 3.

A Beth's Fundraiser Fun Day takes place at Buckland Community Centre, Roosevelt Road, Dover.

This is from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 5.

The event is organised by four people, family friends or strangers who have offered to support the cause.

They are Jess Lorenz, Verina Bickley, Louise Doble and Charlie Jarrett.

If you want to donate to the JustGiving page visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bethany-1?

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More