An 11 year old boy from north Essex is the star of a new video launched by children’s brain tumour charity, Tom’s Trust.
Riley Akers, of Kelvedon, has been supported by Tom’s Trust since March 2018 when he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour. Riley’s voice narrates the video which explains how pscholgoists provided by Tom’s Trust help to support children and their families through their diagnosis and beyond.
The video was launched today [30th November] as part of the charity’s ‘7 Wishes for Christmas’ Campaign to help potential donors understand a little more about what their donations will fund.
Riley’s mum Gill said: “Without the support of our Tom’s Trust psychologist, we would have been in a very different situation. Angela (our psychologist) has helped us through Riley’s anxiety. She is incredible, she is like a life line to us, she makes us smile when we are scared, and she encourages us to carry on when we really don’t feel like it. She is wonderful, and we are so grateful for everything she does.’’
Riley said: “ I’m really happy that I’ve been able to do something to help Tom’s Trust because they’ve helped me and my family so much. I hope it helps other children like me. There’s been lots ot get used to and understand and I know that a video will help people. I’m very proud that this video is being used to launch the Christmas campaign.”
The video launches the 7 Wishes campaign tgo coincide with participating in The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2021. The challenge means that every donation made to the charity during week 30th November – 7th December will be matched and therefore doubled by the Big Give donors. To donate to Tom’s Trust, please visit Psychological Support: Children with Brain Tumours (thebiggive.org.uk)
You can see the video here: Tom’s Trust Psychologists – how we help families – YouTube
