Young disabled boy to undergo specialist treatment in Thailand

Luca Grippo, from Calow in Chesterfield, suffers from cerebral palsy quadriplegia, learning difficulties and epilepsy and will be flying to Bangkok with his mum at the end of the month for specialist stem cell treatment.

Luca’s family launched a fund raising effort in 2015 to raise the £25,000 needed for the treatment and have so far raised £22,500.

However, when a fund raising dinner was cancelled unexpectedly, Kids ‘n’ Cancer decided to provide the extra money, to help push the appeal over the line.

Tracy Staniforth, Luca’s mum said: “The last year has been hectic, of course, but it’s been worth it. It’s been absolutely fantastic to see the way in which the community has come together to support Luca.

“The amount of people who have donated to the fund raising appeal, despite having never met Luca and not really knowing who we are, is staggering.

Mike Hyman, co-owner of Kids ‘n’ Cancer, said: “From the word go, Luca’s story has been one which has touched the hearts of many in the community.

“When we heard of the cancellation of the fund-raising event, we wanted to take matters into our own hands and ensure this fantastic young boy got the help he needed.”