Bridgnorth tumour man's £500,000 target to help step-daughter Kelli
He's helped to raise more than £100,000 in just six months but Tom Attwater knows there's still a way to go before he reaches his final goal.
Mr Attwater, 31, who has a brain tumour, is aiming to raise half a million pounds to send his step-daughter, Kelli, abroad for pioneering treatment.
He believes the treatment is vital for Kelli, who is herself suffering from a rare form of cancer.
She was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of just three months and although she is now in remission Mr Attwater fears she could suffer another relapse and wants her to undergo pioneering treatment, which the NHS has refused to pay for.
It's a heartbreaking tale but one that ultimately could have a positive end – and it's a target Mr Attwater is determined to reach.
The Kelli Smith Appeal has seen fundraising events held across Shropshire and his home town of Bridgnorth, as friends and family rally as many people as possible to get behind the campaign.
Raising £140,000 in just one year has been an incredible achievement but Mr Attwater, who took over the appeal in May, knows the family are still a long way off the final total.
"It's been an incredible year which has seen £7,000 raised during the Bridgnorth Walk, £4,000 during reunion event at Bridgnorth Rugby Club, which organised by Richard Wall, while Brian Fleming organised an event in Shifnal.
"Dee Blackhouse, from the New Inn, in Bridgnorth, raised more than £2,000 through a sponsored head shave and a fitness boot camp was also held in Bridgnorth.
"Chef Stephen James and assistant manager Andy Gould, from the Oaken Arms, in Codsall, also had their legs and chests waxed in aid of or the appeal.
"We have raised £140,000 so far this year but we're hoping to double that next year."
Fundraising whilst dealing with his own serious life threatening illness has not been easy for Mr Attwater, who is engaged to Kelli's mother, Joely Smith, and lives in Sutton Coldfield.
He was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September last year after he suffered a blackout.
Doctors found a mass covering a third of his brain and following an MRI it was found to be cancerous.
He spent a couple of weeks in hospital and had extensive brain surgery, in which they removed 70 per cent of the tumour.
The average life expectancy after surgery is three years and he had the operation a year ago but he is more determined than ever to help his four-year-old daughter, who has been his inspiration while fighting his own illness.
Such has been his passion for the appeal he has been nominated for Mega Bloke of the Year 2013 Award – which recognises the role dads, husbands, brothers, uncles, and grandfathers play in the family – after reaching the final. He hopes to win the title this month.
"I struggle sometimes and there have been some very bad side effects of my brain tumour, but am determined to raise this money," he said. "Kelli is happy and smiley and doing very well at school. Her positive attitude inspires us every day."
Kelli underwent seven months of chemotherapy and numerous operations before the family was given the news she was in remission.
But last year, they were dealt the devastating blow she had suffered a relapse and had to have more surgery to remove three tumours.
While Kelli is currently in remission, doctors say she has a high chance of being struck with cancer again.
But Mr Attwater says he will continue to raise the money required.
"I will do my best to ensure that happens because with neuroblastoma, if a child relapses, the chance of a further relapse is very high," he said.
"She has already suffered and undergone a lot of procedures and operations. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has helped us. It means a lot to us as a family. However, we have a long way to go to reach our target so we'd urge people to continue helping us as we need to give our daughter a chance of a happy and healthy life.
"Christmas is a time for giving and we are so grateful for those who have already helped. But if people could dig a little deeper this Christmas it would mean the world to us as a family."
The Kelli Smith Appeal is part of a registered charity, Families Against Neuroblastoma. To find out more, or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/helpkelli
