VIDEO: Over £55,000 has been raised in aid of 13-year-old Joe Ellis, who requires a total of £100,000 for pioneering treatment after sadly being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Islanders have been showing their support for the youngster and have helped to raise awareness of the appeal by wearing a special wristband purchased for just £2. The wristband, which can be picked up at the retailers mentioned below, has helped add to the total amount raised and has been supported by individuals, businesses and even the Island’s Fire and Rescue Service.
Green Watch, based at Newport Fire Station, have got behind the cause and posed for photographs with their wristbands and have urged locals to purchase their own band and help raise awareness.
During the Isle of Wight Festival, Hampshire Constabulary put themselves on the frontline in a different way and raised over £6,500.
A series of events have been organised in support of Joe and his family as the push continues to reach the grand total.
Tomorrow (Friday), Plaza Ices of Cowes will be giving away free ice creams in St James’ Square in Newport from 11:00 in return for a donation towards the Joe Ellis Trust Fund. Next Sunday, local bands are set to come together for a day of live music at the Bargeman’s Rest in Newport.
A full calender of events can be found at https://joeellistrustfund.co.uk/calendar-of-fundraising/.
The Joe Ellis wristbands are available from the following outlets;
Available Light Gallery & Gifts, Newport
Lugleys, Newport & Cowes
Olivos, Newport & Ryde
Ponda Rosa, Ryde
The King Lud, Ryde
Mr Ts, Shanklin
Babushka Books, Shanklin
Oh So Vintage, Ventnor
F. Robert Frise Jewellers, Freshwater
Joe was diagnosed with primary mediastinum large B cell lymphoma in June last year. He has been through various treatments of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and has come to the end of his regular treatment without hearing the magic words of remission.
Joe has been offered a special treatment called Brintuximab which is used in cases like this but usually in America, however the family need to raise £100,000 in case the UK panel decide to decline the funding application. Southampton hospital have agreed to fund three doses of treatment on compassionate grounds, however a further 13 will be required.
