Sheffield family overwhelmed by generosity of friends and strangers

A sick Sheffield youngster’s Christmas wish came true - thanks to kind hearted residents who used an online fundraising page to pay for a games console at the top of his list for Santa.

But so many people were moved by brave Aiden Dodd-Marsh’s plight - after learning that he is fighting leukaemia - they donated enough money to the GoFundMe page that there is now extra to take him on holiday at the end of his treatment.

Five-year-old Aiden, from Intake, was diagnosed with leukaemia last month after his mum, Lisa Dodd, noticed he was suffering from night sweats and backache.

He needs three years of chemotherapy to beat the disease.

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After Aiden’s school learned of the diagnosis and offered to donate towards buying him something he had always wanted – a Wii U console - Aiden’s aunt, Vanessa Dodd, set up a GoFundMe fundraising page and within days discovered that school friends, members of the local community and strangers had donated £1,600.

Vanessa said: “Someone suggested we set up the GoFundMe page as a lot of people had offered to help us out. I had never heard of it before and thought maybe a couple of people would donate but I was amazed at how many people have helped us.

“Aiden has remained so positive throughout the whole process, considering the amount of treatment he is undergoing. He always has a smile on his face.”

Kelsea Little, of GoFundMe.com, said: “It is amazing to see the support of Aiden’s friends, family and community who have rallied together to support him, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.”

Visit www.gofundme.com/Aidenwish

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