Community rallies as boy, 2, faces cancer relapse

Two-year-old Ronnie with his parents Barrie and Emily

A community has raised more than £13,000 in three days to support a two-year-old boy who is facing a cancer relapse.

Ronnie, from Burgess Hill, was diagnosed with leukaemia in January 2024, shortly after his first birthday.

His family said he now faces intensive treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital over the next three months and into 2026.

Ronnie's father, Barrie, said: "Each day is a struggle. Only a parent who's had the same journey would understand, there's no words for it."

Ronnie's aunt Lucy launched a crowdfunder after the family's financial resources were "completely depleted" since his diagnosis.

Barrie said he was initially against the idea, adding he and his partner Emily had "worked hard to keep their heads above water".

"We had an unexpected bill and we said 'how are we going to pay it?'," he said.

"The GoFundMe has taken a lot of the struggle away. We can now just concentrate on Ronnie."

Archie Tipple had organised a surprise visit for Ronnie from Father Christmas last year

Ronnie's treatment includes having his cells harvested, genetically modified and then put back into his body.

The family expects to spend Christmas at the hospital.

"Over the last month and a half Ronnie's been having lots of blood tests and bone marrow operations to confirm he's relapsing," Barrie said.

Commenting on the support, he added: "When you're shut away from the world like we have been, you forget there is so much kindness and help out there."

Ronnie's father, Barrie, says each day is a struggle

Archie Tipple, who organised a surprise visit from Father Christmas for Ronnie last year, said the fundraiser "struck a chord" with people.

"I think the community realised the unfairness of it, and we've pulled together to make a difference.

"It's a huge relief for Barrie and Emily knowing they have a bit of security."