Maximum effort helps fundraising-mad Max to top total for Sheffield Children's Hospital

Max Somerset, of The Sidings, Wombwell, completed a 5km inflatable obstacle race for Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where he was treated for a brain tumour.

He was backed up by relatives and classmates, who held workplace sweepstakes during the World Cup and took part in a uniform day respectively.

Max’s parents took him to see an optician, thinking he may have a problem with his eyesight after he suffered repeated headaches last year.

They were referred to the children’s hospital last November and the youngster had a scan to find out the cause.

Mum Rachel said: “At 2am, a nurse came back and gave us the devastating news that it was a brain tumour. 

“It was such a shock to us all.” 

Max was admitted to hospital straight away and the following morning went into theatre to undergo a six-hour operation to remove the hydrocephalus — excess fluid in his brain which had been causing his headaches.

A nine-and-a-half hour operation then followed to remove his brain tumour.

Surgeons succeeded in removing 98 per cent of the growth after using the 3T MRI scanner funded entirely by charitable donations. 

“The surgeons and staff at the hospital are amazing,” said Rachel.

“I can never thank them enough for all that they’ve done.”

To show their appreciation, the family began devoting their energy to fund-raising for the hospital and have so far raised over £1,300.

“This is the only way we can ever think of to help others that may be in the same situation,” said Rachel.

“Your life just gets turned upside down. 

“We just wanted to help do something just to help us show our appreciation.”

The funds raised will go towards the appeal for a transformed cancer and leukaemia ward at the children’s hospital, at Max’s request.

It will feature more beds and space, as well as en-suite facilities and improved beds for parents.

Visit www.tchc.org.uk for more information.