Sunderland ABC raise more than £6,500 for Oliver, 6, who is living with cancer

Caring Sunderland East End ABC have raised more than £6,500 from a 5k run and walk to help a local six-year-old who is battling a rare form of cancer.

Six-year-old Oliver Maw is battling stage four neuroblastoma, which develops from nerve cells after a baby is born.

When the Tyne, Tees and Wear club heard the family are trying to raise £230,000 for a potentially life-saving vaccine – which is only available abroad – they quickly rallied to his aid.

Triplet Oliver’s story in particular really touched the heart of Club Coach and Welfare Officer Sara New, who helped organise the event to raise as much money as possible.

“The day was absolutely unbelievable… the club is ran entirely by volunteers and for people of all ages to turn up on Sunday morning at 9am is a fantastic testament to the clubs community spirit,” she said.

“Paul Bainbridge who is an official for Tyne, Tees and Wear and a coach at Brandon Boxing Club in Durham , as well as Laura Sargeant who is the Club Support Officer for the region, even came along to show their support and take part.”

Last week the boxing club invited Oliver and his brothers down to the gym to present a cheque for the money they had raised. The final amount was  a fantastic £6520.11.

Sunderland East End would like to thank everyone who took part in the day and those who sponsor them.

Head Coach Robert New added: “It shows what great things can be achieved when people unite and come together.”

For anyone wishing to help Oliver in his fight against Neuroblastoma, they can donate by clicking here.