Family's aim is to fundraise

The mother of a teenager suffering from a brain tumour is determined to support her son in his campaign for a dedicated teenage cancer ward at the hospital that treats him.

Carol Roberts, a nursery nurse, organised a fancy dress day and cake sale in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, at Beacon Hill Day Nursery, Newark, where she works.

Carol Roberts’ son, Nathan, 17, of Coleman Avenue, Balderton, is being treated for a rare cancerous brain tumour.

Nathan is raising money to create a teenage cancer ward at the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham.

Youngsters and staff at the nursery dressed in fancy dress and played games during the day.

Children also made cupcakes, which were sold to parents.

Carol Roberts said she was pleased with the support the event, which raised more than £250, received from parents and staff.

She said: “The amount of support we have had is just mind-blowing.

“We asked parents to make a donation towards the fancy dress and people having been giving £5 and £10.

“Until Nathan was in the Advertiser I don’t think people realised what he’s been through and what treatment he’s had.”

Carol Roberts said Nathan had just finished his chemotherapy and had been ill but his condition was improving.

She said: “He was poorly this week and he’s been in hospital but he’s feeling better. I think seeing me dressed up cheered him up no end.”

Carol Roberts said Nathan was in contact with Toby Nadal, 15, of Highfields Drive, Bilsthorpe, who was being treated for a non-cancerous brain tumour on the same ward, and the pair had been put forward to take part in a sailing trip later in the year by staff at the Teenage Cancer Trust.

She said Nathan was organising a fundraising party on Friday, May 18, at 7pm to include a raffle and an auction.

Nathan has received donations including a football signed by players from Manchester United Football Club, an iPad and the cover of a drum signed by members of the band Genesis.

Tickets for the event, at the Deincourt Hotel, Newark, are available from Nathan on 07506 276015.