Fundraiser set up for Rochdale couple after their 3-year-old son loses battle with cancer

A JustGiving page has been set up and a fundraiser has been held to allow two local parents ‘the chance to grieve’ for their young son.

3-year-old Freddie Christopher Lowe lost his brave battle against cancer on Saturday (31 July).

An avid Rochdale Hornets supporter, Freddie became poorly in late 2020 before being diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer in the nasal area.

After months of gruelling treatments, his parents, Hazel and Chris, were informed on Father’s Day this year that there were no other treatment options available for their son.

Since then, friends and family have joined in fundraising efforts to try and support the family during the time that Freddie had left, aiming to improve his quality of life.

A JustGiving page was set up and has currently raised £7,278 of its £8,000 target.

Following his death, the money will now be used to allow his parents ‘the chance to grieve’.

It reads: “We want to raise funds to ensure both Hazel and Chris do not have financial worries.

“We all know Chris has raised thousands to help others in a similar situation. We now feel it is time for us to help them.”

 

 

Chris Lowe, father of Freddie, launched a fundraising page ‘Thumbs up for Freddie’ in aid of Young Lives Versus Cancer, calling for donations to the vital charity.

He will also be running the Manchester Marathon with his father and Freddie’s grandfather, Des Lowe, in October to raise funds for the charity.

With the knowledge that Chris is a lifelong Rochdale Hornets fan, Young Lives vs Cancer, previously CLIC Sargent, became Hornets official charity partners in support of Thumbs up for Freddie.

The club added a donation button to their ticketing platform, allowing fans to donate when purchasing club tickets and products, as well as hosting fundraisers and bucket collections on game days in support.

More recently, a bucket collection was held at Rochdale Mayfield on Saturday afternoon (31 July) to raise funds.

Bobbie Crates, one of the organisers, said: “The fundraiser went well, we received £131.58 in donations from the games that were played that day.”

A bucket has also been left in Mayfield’s club house if the public would like to make further cash donations.

 

Read more: Rugby League: Mayfield previewPublished: 30 July 2021

 

Taking to Twitter after the news of 3-year-old Freddie’s death, chairman of Rochdale Mayfield, Neil Ramsden said: “We were devastated to hear the sad news about Freddie. We held a collection on Saturday [31 July] at the club and raised a good amount, but that means nothing now in the scheme of things.

“Our hearts go out to Freddie’s parents, Chris and Hazel, and I only wish we could have done more.

“Rest in peace Freddie."

Andy Mazey, chairman of Rochdale Hornets said: “Rugby League does not matter tonight, indeed nothing else matters as all our thoughts and prayers at Rochdale Hornets are with our little brave man Freddie Lowe, Chris, and his family.

“We are with you through everything always.”

Hornets official Twitter page also shared a statement: “There aren’t enough words to describe just how inspiring and brave this little boy was. Sending all our love and support from everyone at the club, from the players, the coaches, the staff and the volunteers.

“Rest in peace, Freddie Christopher Lowe.”

To help organisers reach their £8,000 target in memory of Freddie, you can donate to the dedicated JustGiving page:

• www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thumbsupforfreddie

Alternatively, you can donate directly to the Young Lives vs Cancer charity through the ‘Thumbs up for Freddie’ page set up by Freddie’s grandfather Desmond Lowe.