Cancer-stricken child flies out to America

A family raised an amazing £10,000 in seven days to pay their bills and living costs while they are in America for their son's cancer treatment
Sebastian Day with a nurse at John Radcliffe Hospital in OxfordSebastian Day with a nurse at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford
Sebastian Day with a nurse at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford

Sebastian Day, seven, has undergone four operations and months of chemotherapy to remove a tumour on the orbit of his eye.

But on Sunday, the family jetted off across the world to Oklahoma so he could begin proton beam therapy, which is not yet available in the UK.

Despite the NHS paying for Sebastian’s treatment, flights for him and his mum and dad, as well as accommodation and travel insurance, the family has received almost £13,000 worth of donations.

They say the money will be used to cover their bills and mortgage payments at their home in MK, as well as living expenses in the US.

Mum Allegra said: “It is simply staggering the amount of support we have received.

“Heelands School has been incredible with both emotional and financial support.

“The community has come together in times of need.”

Proton beam therapy hit the national headlines in 2014 when the parents of five-year-old Ashya King were jailed for breaking him out of hospital to seek treatment abroad.

Last month scientists admitted further research had shown it actually caused fewer side effects than conventional radiotherapy. Brett and Naghemeh King, who previously lived in MK, say their son is now cancer free.

The Day family are writing a blog to update family and friends on Sebastian’s condition while he goes through his treatment.

In it Allegra said: “It’s going to be a bit of a struggle for Seb because he will be having his proton beam during the week and then at weekends he will have his chemotherapy.

“But everyone was so welcoming and kind and nothing was too much trouble.”

Related topics: