Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow records video tribute for Pontefract cancer patient

Oliver Stephenson was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January this year and is currently undergoing treatment at Leeds General Infirmary with his dad by his side.

But in January next year, he will need a special kind of treatment - called Bivalent vaccine - which is available in America.

Friends and family have been busy trying to raise funds to send Oliver to the States for this treatment, and now, with a little help from Marti, it’s hoped even more people will donate.

The Wet Wet Wet singer dedicated the online video performance of hit song ‘Goodnight Girl’ to Oliver.

Oliver was diagnosed with neuroblastoma following blood tests earlier this year, his chemotherapy began just two days later. He had a tumour on his kidney and the cancer had spread to his bone marrow, skull and eye sockets.

A fundraising page has already raised more than £97,000 in donations.

Lyndsey Adams, a family friend in charge of fundraising, said: “When Oliver was diagnosed, we started raising money for travel support but as time went on his condition got more serious.

“We need a total of £230,000 which will include living and travel expenses, so I set up the crowdfunding page.

“If Oliver doesn’t receive this treatment, there’s a 60 per cent chance of recurrence, so even before lockdown we were doing everything we could like raffles and events.

“Donations have been amazing, it brings me to tears seeing how generous people are, following Marti’s video we had a big wave of donations.

“My heart breaks for people in Oliver’s position who won’t be able to receive their treatment overseas, luckily we have until January next year to raise the full amount needed.”

Oliver is currently in hospital with his dad, James, where he will have to remain for a month while he receives intensive chemotherapy.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic safety precautions, he will not be able to see his mum, Laura, during this time.

Laura said: “Oliver has been in and out of hospital since January, but he’s recovered every time.

“It’s been more daunting for me and Oliver’s dad, every time he has a hospital appointment it’s very scary.

“It was surreal seeing Marti Pellow singing for Oliver. Last night my phone went crazy with notifications and when I saw it I couldn’t believe it.”

Introducing his very special performance the Wet Wet Wet singer said: “Hi everybody, I’m going to do a wee song for somebody today, who’s very, very special and that special person is wee Oliver.

“I’m going to put a wee link down below and we’ll see if we can raise money for his treatment that’s required, I’ll be forever indebted to you if you do that.

Marti added: “I’m going to sing a wee song for him to entertain you, so if you feel you would like to contribute to his appeal that would be special.”

Follow Oliver’s story on his Facebook page here.

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