The heartbroken parents of a fun-loving Fife tot who died aged just six months have paid tribute to their “gorgeous baby” and talked of the fund set up in his memory.
Despite spending much of his short life battling cancer, Oliver Gill was rarely seen without a smile on his face.
His parents Andy and Jennifer hope to raise thousands of pounds to fund research into the devastating condition which claimed his life.
The couple from Leven told The Courier they are determined to ensure Oliver’s passing is not in vain.
“Being told there was no longer hope of a cure for our gorgeous baby Oliver was the most awful, surreal and heartbreaking experience of our lives,” said Jennifer (25).
“Oliver has changed our lives forever and as a result we now want to do whatever we possibly can to help other families in similar situations.”
The pair, who are both teachers, have set up www.loveoliver.org.uk to raise awareness of childhood cancer and help provide support for the devastated families left in its wake.
“We cannot put into words just how much we miss our Oliver,” 26-year-old Andy said.
“However, through LoveOliver his story will live on.”
Thousands of people have already been touched by Oliver’s story and his parents hope his death will ultimately unite people from all over the globe in the fight against childhood cancer.
Throughout his treatment, a blog kept well-wishers up to date with Oliver’s progress.Impact”Oliver was born with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer but in his 24 weeks of life he had a massive worldwide impact as he smiled his way through chemotherapy,” Jennifer said.
“He thrived despite his intensive treatment and taught so many people so many things. Oliver’s story is in no way over-we would like everyone to help keep it going by continuing to ‘love Oliver’ through donating to his fund.
“As parents we miss him more than words can express but we are thankful for every minute we were blessed with him each one was precious.”
Andy, who teaches maths at Braeview Academy in Dundee, and Jennifer, who teaches religious, moral and philosophical studies at Waid Academy in Anstruther, admit they knew very little about childhood cancer prior to Oliver’s diagnosis.
“Our aim now is to raise as much money as possible to help other children and families who find themselves in a similar situation,” Jennifer said.
“Until Oliver’s birth we did not know much about childhood cancer.
“Now we know more than we would ever want to and know it can happen to anyone, at any time.
“We want to be able to help in any way we can and hope people will support the fund.”
Discovering what causes childhood cancers is among the top priorities.Innocent”Initially, the research we are helping to fund will focus on rhabdoid tumours so much more needs to be known about this very rare and very aggressive form of cancer which can even manifest itself in an innocent and helpless unborn baby,” Andy said.
“We hope that in the future effective treatment will be available, so that maybe one day no more parents will have to be told that a cure is no longer possible for their child.
“We also hope that through being able to provide some practical support the fund can help to make things a little easier and bring some happiness to the children and their parents.”
Jennifer and Andy paid tribute to Fife’s community nurses, along with staff from Rachel House and the health visitor from Leven Health Centre.
“All have been absolutely amazing,” Jennifer said.
“We would like to thank them for the medical care Oliver received throughout his short life.”
She continued, “Oliver’s story has touched thousands of people across the world even people we don’t know have said they are grieving more deeply than ever before for this baby who they never met but got to know through his blog.
“So many people of all ages friends, family, colleagues and even strangers-are signing up for various sponsored events.
“They are also organising fund-raising bake sales, auctions, lunches and concerts, as well as giving generous donations.
“So far they have helped to raise over £18,000 and the total increases every day.
“The way Oliver coped with his illness has really touched people,” she continued.
“He totally amazed the medics as he continued to thrive and smile his way through intensive chemotherapy and we are sure Oliver’s story will continue to impact and inspire people for a long time to come.”