Saturday, September 13, 2008

Young child with cancer has wish granted: swimming with dolphins

A courageous young cancer patient is set to fulfil her greatest wish and swim with dolphins thanks to fundraising by Matlock Rotary.

Seven-year-old Kade Webster, who lives with her grandparents in South Darley, had been battling a rare nerve cell cancer but finished treatment in July.Her grandmother Janet Webster said Kade, who started junior school at South Darley, this week, would be thrilled to swim with dolphins.She added: "She taught herself to swim on holiday in France so this idea of swimming is amazing. She loves the sea and animals.

"Rotary club members heard about her wish and raised almost £3,000, by manning a stall at Chatsworth Country Fair, to put towards fulfilling her dream.Money will also be given to an 18-year-old boy, from Darley Dale, who has a debilitating disease.John Bent from Matlock Rotary Club said members wanted to do all they could to help local children.He added: "It makes you sit up and realise when you have grandchildren of your own who are not affected by illness how fortunate you are."Your heart goes out to children like that."

Janet said: "I'm overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of people. So many people have taken Kade in to their hearts."There is no cure for her illness and you only get one shot at treatment. At the moment she is just fantastic. She is doing really, really well."Kade has undergone several bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is the face of Sheffield's Children's Hospital, where she was treated.

The full article contains 269 words and appears in Matlock Mercury newspaper.

Quick "Facts about Dolphins"