Gosport mum '˜overwhelmed' by fundraiser for son, 9, who fought off cancer twice

Evan Parry, from Gosport, was recently put in remission from acute myeloid leukaemia for the second time following intensive chemotherapy.

He previously fought off the disease four-and-a-half years ago, and is now due to have a bone marrow transplant.

After friends of the family heard that Evan’s condition had returned, they put together a fundraiser to raise funds for potential medical bills should the chemotherapy not work.

Evan’s mum, Kate said the event at The White Horse Inn in Gosport was moving.

She said: ‘I’m just overwhelmed. I can’t believe that so many people have come by and supported the family and our friends.

‘It’s such a nice thing for people to do. It shows me that there’s a real sense of community around here and that when it comes to things like this, your friends are always there for you.’

Evan, who attends Elson Junior School in Gosport has been in Southampton General Hospital ever since his diagnosis.

He is due to have the bone marrow transplant either in Bristol or at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London soon.

The event featured a raffle including a signed Manchester United shirt, caravan holidays and beauty goods, karaoke and a bake sale.

Evan had previously met his Manchester United heroes in August when former Pompey manager Harry Redknapp arranged the meeting ahead of the team’s match at Bournemouth.

He was later given a personal tour of Old Trafford.

Ten of Kate’s friends put together the event for her after brainstorming ideas to help the family.

Tina Atkinson, a family friend said: ‘We never thought we would get this many people here. It’s just wonderful to get the support from the community.

‘We came together to help as we love the family and want to give them our support in any way we can.’

Fellow friend Sarah Lawrence added: ‘It has been amazing to be able to put this event on for them.

‘The community has come together for Evan.’