GRATEFUL grandparents want to help others who face fighting the same condition as their grandson.
Connah Broom, of Gronant, has spent the last six-and-a-half years battling the rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma.
His campaign has raised more £75,000 and Connah, now 11, has enjoyed a great improvement in his health.
As street dancer Connah looks forward to starting high school later this year and taking to the stage at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, his grandparents Debbie and Jim hope to keep raising funds for Connah’s Appeal.
The appeal was originally to help raise funds to enable Connah to undergo treatment but his family are now keen to widen the appeal to assist others in the same position.
“I think people may see Connah and believe he is well now as he looks so well so he doesn’t need funding,” said Mrs Broom.
“But it is not just about helping him. It is about other children in the same situation.
“If we can help raise that money then we hope it can be put towards assisting them.
“We know what it is like to be in that situation.”
Connah has previously been hailed as a ‘miracle’ boy – he was expected to live beyond the age of about seven when diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2006.
Although his condition is currently inoperable, Connah’s prolonged survival and ever improving health mean both he and his family are now hoping to enjoy many more years together.
But they say reports about other children suffering the same condition evokes memories of how distressing it was when Connah was diagnosed.
“When you read about other children who have been diagnosed it brings it all back,” she said.
“If the family want to talk to us or meet us we will happily do so.
“We have had people from abroad coming to visit. We are happy to help.”
Connah leads an active life, as he spends his spare time perfecting his street dancing skills.
A member of Prestatyn Dance Academy, he will take to the stage at Venue Cymru on Saturday, February 23, in the show Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance, bringing together dance groups from across the region.
He also spends time playing football and rock climbing.
“Connah is looking good and doing very well,” added Mrs Broom. “He does so much.
“He is certainly living his life to the full and seems to have so much energy.”
At the end of the school year, Connah is due to leave Bodnant Community School and move to Prestatyn High School.
“The school has always been extremely helpful and understanding,” she said.
“We have a very good relationship with the headteacher and we are so grateful for the help given.”
l For more details on Connah’s Appeal, visit www.connahsappeal.co.uk..