Will Alexander was just like any other 9 year old boy .. He loved rugby, swimming, cycling, Minecraft and playing with his friends and older brother, Finley. But in April 2020 just before his 9th birthday, Will started experiencing random bouts of vomiting and blinding headaches. 

His symptoms continued to worsen and in July 2020 he underwent a CT scan at Salisbury Hospital, which confirmed the devastating news that Will in fact had a brain tumour, requiring an urgent 10 hour operation the following morning to remove the tumour. 

Will spent the next 6 weeks recovering in the Children's Neurosurgery Ward, where he required a further operation to insert a shunt to relieve the debilitating headaches he was suffering from. Will was then transferred to the University College Hospital London, where he underwent 31 sessions of radiotherapy to his brain and spine. He has since undergone high dose chemotherapy and stem-cell replacement. 

As a result of his surgery, Will suffers from Posterior Fossa Syndrome, causing weakness down one side, problems with his swallowing, as well as poor balance and vision. 

In addition to all the procedures and treatments Will has had to endure, Covid restrictions prevented him from being able to see his brother throughout this time .... But Will is an inspirational young man and was determined to say thank-you to some of the charities who have helped his family through this difficult time, and set about fundraising.  

To date, Will has raised an incredible £5,194, which has been split between his four chosen charities;

• Piam Brown Ward, which is the children’s oncology ward at Southampton Hospital where he is receiving his chemotherapy treatment;
• Abby's Heroes, who support children and their families, including bereaved families, who come under the care of the Piam Brown and the Teenagers and Young Adults Ward at Southampton General Hospital;
• Spread a Smile, who brings joy and laughter to seriously and terminally ill children and their families during intensive treatment and extended hospital stays. 
• Smile4Wessex, who provide charitable support to the Wessex Neurological Centre and sponsor pioneering research into new treatments for a variety of neurological conditions.

We are incredibly humbled and truly grateful to have been chosen as one of Will's benefiting charities and would like to thank Will and his family for their generous donation of £1289 to Smile4Wessex and send all our very best wishes for his continued recovery. 

You can read Will's full story HERE