A Harlow four-year-old has raised £13,162 after his family’s “lives were turned upside down” by his cancer.
Quinn Gosnell invited everyone to his birthday party at the Cock Inn Pub in Paycock Road, Harlow, on Sunday (November 27).
Dad Mike Gosnell had been overwhelmed by the support the family received after Quinn was diagnosed with Wilms' Tumor, a type of cancer, in both his kidneys.
Read more:
- Inspectors praise 'exceptional commitment' by students at 'outstanding' sixth form
- 'Sadly lacking' roundabout maintenance gets free boost as sponsors sought
- Council appoints new chief executive after 'rigorous and competitive' process
The family started fundraising to use the support the received to help others, which included Quinn singing and dancing, and Mike and his friends taking part in Movember.
Mike said: “This has turned our lives upside down, but we are strong and going to fight with Quinn all the way to try and beat this.
“Quinn is a very strong, brave little boy, he has a great personality and loves to dance.
“With the uncertain and hard times that we all live in at the moment, its heart-warming to see such kindness and generosity.
“I am using Movember and now the charity event as a chance to raise money for a very good charity for children not just with cancer, but other illnesses.”
A target of £12,000 raised has already been exceeded as the total stood at £13,162 on Monday (November 28).
The event on Sunday featured a tribute to Quinn’s dancing inspiration Michael Jackson by Britain’s Got Talent’s Rory Jackson, a bouncy castle, face painting, entertainers, a raffle, and a hog roast.
Celebrity guests announced ahead of the event included boxer John Conteh, footballer Micky Hazard, and House of the Dragon actor Harry Collett.
Other celebs Jake Livermore, Olly Murs, and Harry Redknapp made videos delivering birthday wishes.
The Dream Factory is an Essex-based charity which grants wishes to children and young adults with life threatening or limited conditions, or who have severe disabilities.
Founder Avril Mills said: “We are truly grateful to Quinn and his family for their amazing support. We hope Quinn has the fantastic birthday he deserves on Sunday.
"Lots of love from the whole team at The Dream Factory”.
Donations can be made at: https://bit.ly/dr3amquinn
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here