Poorly Telford schoolboy Matthew set to visit classmates as fund hits £22,000
Telford schoolboy Matthew Cooper is due to have his first day out of hospital in six months, it was announced today.
Matthew, 11, has been at Birmingham Children's Hospital since August when he was diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer.
The brave youngster underwent surgery to remove tumours, but suffered strokes following the operation.
The strokes have left Matthew paralysed and he needs a wheelchair to move about.
However, he is due to visit his classmates at Wrockwardine Wood Church of England Junior School at the start of next month.
Headteacher Julie Henry revealed the hospital will allow Matthew to visit the school on March 2, during a fundraising week organised by the pupils.
She said: "The school is just amazed by how much everyone has pulled together to help Matthew that we cannot thank them enough.
"We have around £22,000 now and the money is still coming in, which is just incredible.
"We were told that Matthew is doing well and that he has recently finished his radiotherapy and now he has a six-week break.
"But another bit of good news, is that we were told he will be able to visit the school for the afternoon in March.
"This is great news as we are holding a fundraising week that week, and having Matthew here will be fantastic for the staff and pupils.
"They really have done so much and the children have been great."
Matthew's school set up the Bring Matt Home Fund at the start of the year, to raise money so his Trench home can be adapted to suit his medical needs.
So far the fund has over £22,000 and volunteers have offered their services to help with the renovation.
Mrs Henry has praised the volunteers and community for the way every pulled together, and says an archaeologist is getting ready to reveal his plans for the home.
She said: "We had a meeting at the end of January, where so many people turned up to offer their services.
"Since then an archaeologist has visited Matthew's home with his father Leigh and plans are currently being drafted up.
"I believe the plans will be shown to us in March, and then we will be taking it from there.
"But we were overwhelmed by the amount of volunteers who came to the meeting."
As well as holding the fundraising week many people have got in touch with the school about holding a number of events.
One of the events is a Bingo night on March 5 at the school, followed by a races night on March 18, also at the school.
For more information about volunteering or donating call the school on 01952 387880, when it reopens next week after half term.
To donate to the fund visit www.gofundme.com/8s276ynw or contact the school on (01952) 387880.
