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Cancer treatment crowd-funding hope for nine-year-old Cancer treatment crowd-funding hope for nine-year-old
(about 3 hours later)
A nine-year-old cancer sufferer has launched a bid to crowd-fund more than £120,000 for vital treatment.A nine-year-old cancer sufferer has launched a bid to crowd-fund more than £120,000 for vital treatment.
Alex Goodwin was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer only affecting children, in his right thigh.Alex Goodwin was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer only affecting children, in his right thigh.
His family is now hoping to raise money to pay for proton beam therapy outside the UK, because the NHS may not fund his treatment.His family is now hoping to raise money to pay for proton beam therapy outside the UK, because the NHS may not fund his treatment.
NHS England said it based decisions on "clinical evidence" and "what is in the best interest of the patient".NHS England said it based decisions on "clinical evidence" and "what is in the best interest of the patient".
Alex's cancer spread after his first round of chemotherapy, which his family said leaves him with limited options.Alex's cancer spread after his first round of chemotherapy, which his family said leaves him with limited options.
He has been sharing his progress with his thousands of followers on Twitter and on his blog.He has been sharing his progress with his thousands of followers on Twitter and on his blog.
More from Coventry and Warwickshire
What is proton beam therapy?What is proton beam therapy?
Alex's family, from Dunton Bassett in Leicestershire, say he has faced months of "constant pain and discomfort" and now relies on a wheelchair to get around.Alex's family, from Dunton Bassett in Leicestershire, say he has faced months of "constant pain and discomfort" and now relies on a wheelchair to get around.
Alex took to social media to speak to others suffering with cancer and said his experience has been overwhelmingly positive.Alex took to social media to speak to others suffering with cancer and said his experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
"I just love people so much and its great to see everyone helping me out," he said."I just love people so much and its great to see everyone helping me out," he said.
Alex's father, Jeff, was initially against him creating an online profile but said it acts as a force for good.Alex's father, Jeff, was initially against him creating an online profile but said it acts as a force for good.
"Almost everyone has been supportive on social media. It's been a very positive thing for Alex and that's all that matters," he said."Almost everyone has been supportive on social media. It's been a very positive thing for Alex and that's all that matters," he said.
Jeff, a Warwickshire police officer, and his friends also plan to record a charity single to help raise the money.Jeff, a Warwickshire police officer, and his friends also plan to record a charity single to help raise the money.
Macmillan Cancer Support fewer than 30 children a year are diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in the UK.Macmillan Cancer Support fewer than 30 children a year are diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in the UK.
The Department of Health has said that from April 2018 proton beam treatment will be offered to up to 1,500 cancer patients at hospitals in London and Manchester, following investment worth £250m.The Department of Health has said that from April 2018 proton beam treatment will be offered to up to 1,500 cancer patients at hospitals in London and Manchester, following investment worth £250m.