Fishing contest entrants are hoping to hook a bumper catch of cash for seriously ill youngster
Five-year-old Benny Pitcher, who has a rare form of brain cancer, with mum Julie and dad Kevin and siblings (from left) Ruby, 10, Brannigan, 12 and Rosie, 8. Picture: KAREN BETHELL - Credit: Archant
A group of north Norfolk fishing fans are hoping to hook a bumper catch of cash, at an angling competition they have organised to help a seriously ill five-year-old and his family.
Since East Runton youngster Benny Pitcher was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of childhood brain cancer three months ago, axfundraising appeal has topped £8,000, with friends and well-wishers organising events ranging from car boot sales, to a crazy golf day.
The latest of these will see more than 30 people take part in a fishing contest on Weybourne beach on Saturday, before enjoying a barbecue at the home of event organisers Michael and Claire Gill.
The couple have also drummed up raffle prizes including restaurant vouchers, a fishing trip to Norway and a £50 voucher for Priory Maze and Gardens, which has also donated year's pass to the Pitcher family.
Although doctors cannot operate, Benny, who is a pupil at Sheringham Primary School, has just completed the first of three courses of radiotherapy and his parents, Kevin and Julie, are now waiting for the results of a scan, which they hope will show the growth of the tumour has been slowed down.
However, side-effects from steroids have led the youngster to put on weight and given him a swollen face and aching joints.
"It is just palliative care and, at the moment, we are just focusing on dealing with everyday life," Mrs Pitcher said. "And although it is stressful, the community has been great and we have had people we don't even know wanting to support us in different ways."
Most Read
- 1 'One in a million' town haberdasher dies at 80
- 2 Broads bridge in north Norfolk to close this year for roadworks
- 3 Michael Bublé concert bans chairs and blankets from gig
- 4 Peter Smith: 'The holes in the fabric of our town'
- 5 Have your say: 7 projects that could 'regenerate' Cromer
- 6 Mammoths 'return' to north Norfolk in GoGo sculpture trail
- 7 'A fantastic four days' - North Walsham enjoys return of Funday
- 8 Roadworks and closures to be aware of in Norfolk this week
- 9 Three-bed barn conversion at Norfolk beauty spot up for sale for £1.25m
- 10 Rare chance to travel on historic trains during railway's Vintage Week
The couple are now planning to take Benny, his older brother Branningan, 12, and sisters Ruby, 10, and Rosie, 8, on a trip to Disneyland Paris.
They also hope to adapt their house to accommodate Benny's needs as his illness progresses.
Mum-of-three Mrs Gill, who has already sold more than £300-worth of raffle tickets, said: "We were devastated when we heard about Benny and we wanted to raise some money to help his dreams come true. We can't imagine what his family is going through and, as a parent, it makes you realise just how lucky you are."
Fishing for Benny runs at Weybourne beach on Saturday (June 22) from 8am-1pm, with a barbecue and raffle from 2pm onwards. Entry is £5, with also proceeds going to the Pitcher family. To book a place, phone 07387 716784. To donate to Benny's appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bennytoeurodisney