A MOTHER from Wrexham has expressed her gratitude to the community that have all rallied together to support her and her family during her teenage son’s battle with cancer.

Delisa Edwards, from Llay, has arranged a jammed-packed fundraising event for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, where 15-year-old Kieran is currently being treated for his Hodgkin lymphoma cancer.

She said: “We as a family are truly overwhelmed with all the support that we’ve received from the community since Kieran was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin lymphoma cancer in July of this year.

“Kieran has been attending Alder Hey on a frequent basis ever since his diagnoses and they’ve been absolutely brilliant with him.

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Kieran Edwards with his favourite Manchester City player, John Stones. Picture: Delisa Edwards

“The fundraiser is our little way of giving back to them and allows us to show our appreciation for all that they’ve done for not only Kieran but also for his family too.”

Alongside the fundraiser, which will take place at the Llay Royal British Legion on Saturday, November 9, at 1.30pm, Mrs Edwards, has arranged for Kieran to celebrate his sixteenth birthday, after his difficult battle with the disease over the months.

She added: “We are all looking forward to the day.

“A lot of effort has gone into making this day happen and everyone, regardless of whether or not they know Kieran, are all welcome to come and help us not only raise money for Alder Hey but to also celebrate my son’s milestone birthday.

“The event will have something for everyone, including prize bingo which starts at 2.30pm, raffles with some fantastic prizes, a disco and karaoke, the ‘Brave the Shave’ challenge, an auction, live music plus much more.”

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Itinerary of the time slots of when all the activities will be taking place and what amazing prizes are available

Kieran’s father, David Edwards, who will be taking part in the ‘Brave the Shave’ challenge with a large number of his son’s friends from Castell Alun High School, expressed his pride in being able to honour his son and looking forward to life getting back to normal.

He said: “Experiences like the one that we’ve been though as a family are a real eye-opener.

“Our son was fit and healthy, who enjoyed playing football, refereeing and running.

“It was a complete shock.

“His diagnoses came to be after many visits to the doctors due to his lack of energy.

“His mum just knew that something was wrong with him, as he wasn’t himself.

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Kieran Edwards is being treated for Hodgkin lymphoma cancer at Alder Hey Children's Hospital

“He’s had intense chemotherapy sessions whilst at Alder Hey, and it has been a struggle as a family, as me and my wife have both decided to take time off from work to look after our boy.

“But with only two more sessions to go, hopefully that will be the last.”

Despite his brave battle with the disease, Kieran has still managed to attend school when he felt well enough to do so.

Mrs Edwards also expressed how organising this event has kept her mind busy during the difficult time.

She added: “I honestly don’t know what I will do when the event is all over.

“It’s been nice to have something to keep my mind focused, which is why next year I’m hoping to jump out of an aeroplane for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity.

“Hopefully next year will be a fresh start for us as a family and will include a nice holiday away.

“It’s all about giving back to those who don’t get enough credit for what they do.

“The event should be a great day, and I’ve created an itinerary of the time slots of when all the activities will be taking place and what amazing prizes are available.

“Please note that young children must be accompanied by an adult.”