Pupils at Stoke Lodge Primary School have taken part in a special event to support the family of a pupil, eight year old Bailey Cooper, who recently underwent nearly four months of hospital treatment for a form of cancer.
Bailey was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in October last year. He endured four rounds of chemotherapy and steroid treatment at Bristol Children’s Hospital before being given the all-clear in February. He is currently in remission and has recently returned to school.
Roye Aguila, a parent of a pupil in Bailey’s class, approached PE teacher Pete Holbrook with the idea of raising funds to help the family. His suggestion was to allow the children to wear a “Let’s CAP Cancer” cap for the whole day in school in return for a donation. Over £900 was raised at the event which was held on 24th February and the money will be donated to the family. It is hoped this will become an annual event with money raised in future years going to a local hospital.
Roye says that the event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors Design Scaffolding, The Whitchurch and Flipout Bristol. Bristol Rugby, who work with the school on a regular basis, also sent along their mascot to support the event.
Bailey’s parents, Rachel Hollyman and Lee Cooper, told the Journal that they were overwhelmed at the support they have received from the local community and the school. Rachel had to give up her job at Caerleon Child Care (inside Jump at Patchway) and Lee had to cut his working hours when Bailey was diagnosed with the life-threatening condition so they could spend time with Bailey and his younger brother, Riley.
The family were initially supported financially through an online GoFundMe appeal set up by family friend Kelly Doig. Other fundraising activities were organised by friends and family, including a football match organised by the boys’ Uncle Jason at Stanshawes Court public house in Yate and a fun day held at The Foresters Arms, Downend.
Bailey’s younger brother, five-year-old Riley, also joined in the fundraising by having his head shaved during the fun day.
Rachel said:
“We cannot thank people enough for all the help they have given us. It has been awesome, everyone has been incredible. Our family and friends, the school, Roye, Mr Holbrook and all the other parents. It really has been awesome!”
Roye Aguila told the Journal that he does not want this to be the end of his involvement in raising awareness of childhood cancer and that he is in the process of applying for “Let’s CAP Cancer” to become a registered charity.
Photos: 1 Bailey Cooper (centre) receives a cheque from staff and pupils at Stoke Lodge Primary School. 2 Bailey undergoing treatment in Bristol Children’s Hospital.
This article originally appeared in the March 2017 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on page 27). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
