A HEARTBROKEN Carlisle family have spoken about how their world has been turned upside down following the 'one in a million' cancer diagnosis of their baby boy.
Parents to the eleven-month-old Jaxon, Andrew and Hayley Barnes, have said they have had to find a 'new normal' following the diagnosis of Jaxon's stage 3 Hepatoblastoma cancer only two weeks ago.
"You've got more chance to win the lottery than catch this cancer, within the last two weeks, everything's changed - we have to find a new normal, as they say at the hospital," Hayley said.
Jaxon is currently being treated at the RVI in Newcastle, and will remain there for the foreseeable as he is set to undergo chemotherapy treatment this week - at the same time of his first birthday.
"All it was I took him up to A&E, and I mentioned to the doctor that part of his stomach was harder than the other part, that's when we were told it was liver cancer.
"We'll have to wait for the radiographer to get back to us to see if they'll be able to save part of his liver, or whether or not it'll require a full liver transplant," she said.
It's not just the situation of Jaxon's health that is adding pressure to the family at such a difficult time, however. Due to Covid-19, the house for parents to stay at whilst visiting the hospital is operating at a reduced capacity, meaning it is only available for those in intensive care.
Hayley said the family are having to spend about £100 a day between paying for accommodation and continuous fuel costs, which is 'costing a fortune'.
With hopes of lending a helping hand, the family's close friend, Stacey Weaver, organised a fundraiser to try and reduce any additional financial costs.
"I did it because everything they are currently experiencing and going through, the thought of them being additionally stressed with financial worries - I just thought I'd try and help alleviate them in anyway - I want to help and feel useful," Stacey said.
Hayley said: "Every little helps and thanks to anyone who donates".
Carlisle singer and member of 90's UK Boyband 911, Lee Brennan, also shared the gofundme on his social media page.
To donate, visit https://gofund.me/0e081d80.
READ MORE: These eleven firms in Carlisle pay the 'Real living wage'
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