Fund for Laois boy (3) with cancer raises almost €13k in five days

A FUND for a little Laois boy who is fighting cancer has collected nearly €13,000 in just five days.

Leon Westman from Mountmellick was diagnosed in August at only three years of age. It was heartbreaking news for his parents Shauna and Noel and his big sister Jodie, as well as their extended family and many friends.

The community rallied round with a gofundme titled Team Leon, which was launched on 8 September with a €50k goal. By 13 September, generous donations exceeded a remarkable €12,800.

As Leon faces a long and difficult journey, under the care of Children’s Health Ireland Crumlin, the fundraiser was set up by Richie Westman and seven other kind supporters.

Introducing ‘Team Leon’, the group said the bright, fun-loving little boy ‘has a smile that lights up a room the minute he walks in’.

They said: ‘Leon lives in Mountmellick, Co Laois, with his mammy and daddy Noel and Shauna, who both live and work locally. Shauna is also actively involved volunteering her artistic skills with Mountmellick Community Arts Centre and the Christmas Tree Committee.

‘This fight will take a huge emotional and physical toll on Leon, his family and everyone who loves him. On top of that, the financial strain of travel, overnight stays and lost income will soon add up. Leon’s family will focus all of their time and effort into supporting him through this.

'That’s where Team Leon comes in. Our goal is to support Shauna, Noel, Jodie and Leon in every way possible, so they can focus fully on Leon’s care, not bills.

‘Mountmellick has continually shown just why it is known as the ‘Small Town with a Big Heart’ and already the love shown to the Westman and Blake families has been incredible. It’s this kindness and compassion that Mountmellick is known for that makes even the hard days that little bit easier.’ 

The group added: ‘Our small town has already seen far too many young people battle cancer and now it’s our Leon. His parents are focusing all their energy on helping him through treatment and we want to surround them with as much love and support as possible.

‘Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference. Sharing this page is also a huge help if you can’t donate.

‘Anybody willing to get involved, please contact Darren Strong or any of the organisers … and they will put you in touch with our volunteer group. All events and fundraisers will be posted to our Team Leon Facebook age. Thank you for standing with Leon and his family on this journey.’ 

Team Leon observed that it takes a village to raise a child, according to the African proverb, but it takes a community to save one.

In coming weeks, the Team Leon logo will be used for a series of fundraising events across Mountmellick, Laois and beyond, including a 24-hour cycleton on 27 September at SuperValu in Mountmellick where Noel works.

There will also be an auction, with valuable items already donated by Finline Furniture and signed rugby jerseys also secured. Anyone wishing to donate items for auction can contact Team Leon on Facebook.

Richie is joined on the fundraising team by Darren Strong, Olivia and Dillon Payne, Angel and Lisa Tormey, Martina Dunne and Sarah Dooley.

In an update today as the fund broke the €12,000 mark, Richie said: ‘Sometimes words aren't enough, but thank you all so so much! You're all just incredibly generous people. We honestly cannot thank you enough for all of the amazing support for Leon and his family.’ 

At the family’s request, no photos of Leon will be used in fundraisers and people are asked to use the Team Leon logo to show support for ‘our little superhero’.