Mystery donor offers to fund Ashya's proton beam cancer treatment

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The charity set up an online page after hearing of the King family’s anguish and says it has been inundated with donations. In the first 24 hours it raised £30,000
By Keith Perry

8:16AM BST 04 Sep 2014


The family of Ashya King have accepted a mystery donor’s offer to fund his proton beam therapy.

Charity Kids’n’CancerUK raises money to pay for children to have the treatment when they do not meet the criteria for the NHS to fund it.

The charity set up an online page after hearing of the King family’s anguish and says it has been inundated with donations. In the first 24 hours it raised £30,000 and it is understood the mystery donor will cover the rest of the £150,000 cost of Ashya’s treatment.

Last night, the boy’s family sent their “heartfelt thanks” to the members of the public who have donated money.

Mike Hyman, the charity’s chief executive, told the Daily Mail: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from people.



“We had £30,000 in 24 hours and it shows no sign of stopping. I’m in awe of those who are donating any little bit of money they have.

“We have had elderly people call up and donate their pensions – you cannot buy that sort of generosity. It is touching, and I know the family are extremely grateful.”

The charity, which is based in Derbyshire and has helped 70 families since launching four years ago, specialises in paying for proton beam treatment. Organisers estimate that it will cost £150,000 to pay for Ashya’s radiotherapy and associated living costs, but say the money will be available as soon as it is required.

Donations above £150,000 will go to the charity to fund future treatments.

Mr Hyman added: “I have spoken to Ashya’s brother, Naveed, and he is dead chuffed. When a family is told their child has cancer, they sort of go into a red zone where all they can do is fret.

“We exist to try and help them deal with everything, so they can concentrate on getting their child better.

“The donations we have received go a long way to helping that, so we are very grateful.”

Last night, Ashya’s grandmother Patricia and aunt Tracy thanked the public for their generosity.

His aunt said: ‘We want to thank everyone who has donated.

“We send our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped us and been touched by Ashya’s story.

‘We just hope that the right thing is done and he is returned to his parents so that he can start treatment.”

You can help support the charity and Ashya’s family online at www.justgiving.com/Ashya-King-Proton-Beam-Treatment
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/11074256/Mystery-donor-offers-to-fund-Ashyas-proton-beam-cancer-treatment.html