Little Henry Leggett was a happy and healthy youngster who enjoyed attending Loddon Nursery School - but last August things took a turn for the worst when, at 18 months old, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
“We had no inkling and I thought he had a sickness bug,” said Henry’s mother Katie Leggett. “I went to get him up one morning and he was unconscious. We took him to the James Paget University Hospital and he was transferred straight away to Addenbrokes Hospital.”
The youngster, from Worlingham, had fluid removed from his brain before having a nine hour operation to remove the tumour which was benign and was able to go home within two weeks.
Mrs Leggett said: “Me and my husband Jim had our wedding planned so we got married during the middle of it all once we knew the results were good.”
The two-year-old has now made a full recovery and was in attendance at a chocolate tea party organised by the nursery to raise money for the Sick Children’s Trust.
The charity provides free accommodation for families to stay close to their ill children with the Leggetts using the charities Acorn House facility in Cambridge.
She said: “We were there for nearly three weeks and it was a huge weight off our shoulders to not have to pay for hotels. The charity relies solely on donations.”
Held at the Lecture Hall in Loddon, Tracey Woodrow, nursery room leader, said they day was a great success with children and adults alike enjoying the tasty treats which were available.
“Henry was in my care when he was taken ill,” said Mrs Woodrow. “He is such a little angel in our hearts and we all love him.
“As a nursery we wanted to raise awareness of the service that the charity especially with children being at the core of our work. Henry’s story highlights the fact that you never know what is around the corner.”
Cakes were made my nursery staff and the Leggetts and included gingerbread men and chocolate cake - which was very popular with the children - and local businesses donated raffle prizes.
The event raised £920 with a room at Acorn House costing the charity £28 per night to provide.
“Henry had a lovely time,” added Mrs Leggett. “He has three bites of chocolate cake. It was overwhelming to have so many people come out and supported the charity.”
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