We are calling on the community to support its fundraising efforts for young Somerset boy, Jack Gyde, who urgently needs life-saving medical treatment in America.
At just five years old, Jack was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, a severe type of cancer that develops in nerve cells. He is undergoing treatment, which will include intense chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell rescue, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, but due to the type of cancer, the risk of a relapse is high.
Jack’s parents, Sarah Mackey and Ben Gyde, are working to raise £250,000 to cover the costs of maintenance treatment in the US, which significantly lowers the risk of the cancer returning. Since this treatment is not available in the UK, the family will need to travel to America multiple times over a two- to three-year period.
To help Jack and his family reach their fundraising target, a team from RGB and Somerset-based CRS Building Supplies, both part of the Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG), is taking part in two upcoming runs.
The team – which includes Ed Livesey, Dean Gerrans, Paul Reed and Sam White from RGB and Danny Spokes and Jordan Darch from IBMG in the South West – will be taking on the 10-mile AJ Bell Great South Run on Sunday 20th October and the Silverstone Run Fest half-marathon on Sunday 24th November.
Ed Livesey from RGB, and one of the team members, commented:
"At RGB, supporting our community is a priority. When Jack's family contacted us, we knew we had to do something to help this brave young boy and his family. If able to, we hope the local community will support our fundraising – every donation will help Jack get one step closer to the treatment he needs. Thank you in advance to everyone who supports our team.”
Donations can be made to RGB’s fundraising appeal by visiting https://gofund.me/15f77283.
For more information about Jack’s journey or to make a donation direct to the family, please visit the Go Fund Me page - https://www.gofundme.com/f/d6424-help-for-jack.