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Disney treat for toddler as appeal gains a boost

Oliver meets Eeyore at Disneyland Paris
Oliver meets Eeyore at Disneyland Paris

Brave toddler Oliver Smith has had the time of his life at Disneyland Paris.

The three-year-old and his mum Natalie spent three days at the park last week after being offered the trip through the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Oliver, of Coral Road, Minster, has the aggressive childhood cancer neuroblastoma.

Since June, the Times Guardian has been supporting a campaign to raise £150,000 which is for treatment he could need in Germany if his condition gets worse.

Children who have neuroblastoma have between an 80 and 95% chance of relapsing until they are aged 20 and Natalie wants to have the money ready so they can get immediate treatment if it does happen.

If he doesn’t need it, the money will be redistributed to other neuroblastoma causes.

Natalie said they had a great time at Disney and Oliver came home talking lots about his “new girlfriend” Minnie Mouse.

As well as meeting lots of his favourite characters, they also enjoyed going on the rides – the most popular of which was Peter Pan.

Meanwhile, the appeal has been boosted by £200 this week to £62,429.

From left, Annette Walshaw, Mandy Jacques, Christine Hughes, Jackie Palmer, Elaine Rosanthal, Claire Faulkner and Juliet Henderson
From left, Annette Walshaw, Mandy Jacques, Christine Hughes, Jackie Palmer, Elaine Rosanthal, Claire Faulkner and Juliet Henderson

The money has been raised by Sittingbourne resident Jackie Palmer, who works at the Minster Medical Centre.

Back in October, Jackie knitted herself a scarf and her colleagues were so impressed they asked her to make some for them.

She has now made more than 40 and has sold them to friends as well as her work mates.

“It takes me about an evening to knit one and then I decided to do it for charity,” she said.

“It’s a good cause because he’s a local boy.

“I’m hoping I will have raised about £200 but it’s all down to the people that have bought them and raised the money.”


Events to come

Oliver Smith Appeal logo
Oliver Smith Appeal logo
  • Magician Terry Rea will be performing close-up magic at The Royal pub, Sheerness, on Wednesday, December 21, from 7pm to 9pm. He will then go to The Playa, Minster, to collect more money for the appeal.
  • On New Year’s Eve, a party will take place at Woodcombe Hall, Murston, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 for adults; children admitted free.
  • To donate to the appeal, pop into the Times Guardian office, where you can also buy wristbands and CDs. Alternatively, donate online
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