AFC Portchester youth team Parents, Tom and Amanda, started fundraising after their daughter Scarlett was diagnosed with a brain tumour following an annual eye test.
She was fit, active and doing well at school with no signs that anything was wrong. The diagnosis came as a complete shock to the family. The only reason this tumour was discovered early was because of that simple eye test. Scarlets parents want other families to know that these checks can make all the difference.
Tom and Amanda have set up a JustGiving page, to raise awareness on just how important eye test can be for children and to support the charities that have helped Scarlett’s family along the way. These charities really help families during the most frighting and uncertain moments. Scarlett has since had urgent surgery to remove the tumour and is recovering well.
The family say they remain “grateful for the kindness and professionalism they have received along the way”.
The £12,000 target is to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities, Brain Tumour Research and Southampton Hospital Charity for paediatric neurology. These organisations provide support, research and care that change lives. Tom said, “we want to give back to them in recognition of what they do for so many people.”
The family are also using £2,000 of the fundraising (capped) to rebook a short family holiday for Scarlett. They were due to fly only hours after her diagnosis and the trip had to be cancelled immediately so she could undergo urgent neurosurgery. Scarlett is only 12, and as you can imagine, she was devastated to lose the holiday the whole family had looked forward to.
As Scarlett is an aspiring football player, currently in one of AFC Portchester Youth Teams, our Ladies First team wanted to show their support to Scarlett. With players and coaching staff sending her video messages while in hospital to keep her spirits up and show that the whole club is behind her. Her coach Ben also described her as “a little super star” and aims to help with the fundraising efforts, along with the rest of her teammates through various activities.
The club is very proud of the bravery Scarlett and her family showed during this difficult time. And we feel honoured that Scarlett got to join her team as the mascot at the recent Ladies Adobe FA Cup.
The club wants to help spread the message and bring awareness of the importance of regular eye tests; they can truly change lives.
Eye tests for children are quick, free and often overlooked. If Scarlett had missed hers, the tumour might not have been detected until it caused serious harm. Sharing her story aims to encourage more parents, Carers and schools to understand how important these checks are.
Make sure to book you and your families in.
