Ollie had rhabdomyosarcoma of the skull and, despite bravely enduring his treatments and operation, sadly relapsed and passed away aged just three years old. He wanted to help others always, despite his young age, and he would want to help prevent other children dying by doing his bit to help new treatments be found that save lives, that are easier to tolerate and that lead to fewer long term side effects for those who survive. Here, Ollie's family tell his story...
Ollie was first diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma of the skull when he was just 2 and a half. He accepted his operations, chemotherapy and 35 sessions of proton therapy under general anaesthetic in the USA all in his stride and continued to be the happy, caring, fun loving little boy who won the heart of all who met him.
Instead of playdates we made dens out of hospital sheets; used nurses aprons to cover the room so we could paint and spent a lot of time learning about the world together due to his love of nature.
Ollie relapsed less than 6 months after finishing treatment and we were told that there was no hope of a cure. He died 7 months later.
Ollie's little sister was just 2 when he died and we explained his death saying he was a star now. Every night she looks to the stars and waves to Ollie's Star who sometimes plays hide and seek behind the clouds.
Ollie had the kindest heart and barely cried for himself even in the hardest days, but did for other children when he heard them crying on the ward. He wanted to help others always, despite his young age, and he would want to help prevent other children dying by doing his bit to help new treatments be found that save lives, that are easier to tolerate and that lead to fewer long term side effects for those who survive.
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Research projects funded
New treatments for relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma
A living review of new treatments for children and young people with relapsed and refractory rhabdomyosarcoma
Investigating a new way of treating poor-prognosis rhabdomyosarcoma
A molecular approach to predict recurrence or spread of cancer that will lead to improving outcomes for children with rhabdomyosarcoma
Understanding treatment decision making processes in families where a child or young person has relapsed or refractory rhabdomyosarcoma
Fundraising pages
Text CCLGOLLIE to 70085 to donate £5.
CCLG will receive 100% of your donation. You may also be charged for one text message at your network’s standard or charity rate.
You can make a donation or pay in funds raised by cheque, payable to CCLG, to CCLG, Century House, 24 De Montfort Street, Leicester LE1 7GB. Please ensure you make it clear that the donation is for Ollie's Star so that your donation is allocated to the correct fund.
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