Fundraiser for three-year-old Whitworth boy raises £7,000

Date published: 21 September 2023

A fundraiser for a three-year-old Whitworth boy with leukaemia has raised £7,000 for his family.

Tommy Squibbs was diagnosed with leukaemia on 4 September after his parents Daniel, 40, a football coach, and Charlotte, 38, a teacher, took him to the doctors with a rash.

The couple – who have two older sons, Louie, nine, and Reggie, six – were advised to go to A&E immediately and rushed Tommy to Royal Oldham Hospital, where he was diagnosed.

Tommy, who is non-verbal and has Down syndrome, underwent a successful operation at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital on 7 September so he could start chemotherapy straight away.

Daniel said the diagnosis came as “a massive shock,” adding: “We know we’re in for the biggest fight of our lives but with everyone’s support and prayers we know Tommy will fight this with everything he has.”

He said: “I am so immensely proud of how our little warrior has taken to this, from the constant checks, tubes and wires, he has still got a smile on his face every day and fist bumps all around.”

A fundraiser has been started to ease their financial pressure, as Daniel, who has run local football club Dan’s Dribblers for 10 years, is self-employed, whilst Charlotte started a new job on the day Tommy was diagnosed.

As Tommy’s immune system is so low after his first round of chemotherapy, Daniel has had to stop his coaching sessions in September to limit contact.

He explained: “Tommy is most vulnerable after his first round of chemotherapy as he loses his immune system.”

The fundraiser says: “He [Daniel] gives so much to the community and asks for nothing in return.

“Dan is much more than a football coach, he’s a husband and dad to three wonderful boys, Louie, Reggie and Tommy.

“As a football community, we are all devastated to hear what Tommy and the Squibbs family are going through.

“Naturally, Dan and Charlie's priority is being by Tommy’s side whilst comforting and guiding Louie and Reggie.

“Dan’s dedication and brilliant coaching is what pays his bills, however with Tommy’s recent diagnosis, Dan has had to put on hold all of his upcoming football sessions, therefore resulting in him receiving no income.

“As a community, we want to do all we can to help Dan, Charlie and the boys financially, so they can focus all their attention on Tommy.”

Daniel said: “Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers and all your lovely messages.

“We, as a family, are literally blown away with all the love and support we have received for our little warrior.

“Whilst we appreciate everything, I assure people we will share the wealth with all the charities involved with Tommy’s battle.”

Donations can be made via GoFundMe:

• https://gofund.me/c20fab61