An Erith woman has set up a fundraising page to help her cancer-stricken four-year-old nephew’s parents through this "dark place".
Kane Shillingford, from Belvedere, was recently diagnosed with liver cancer but has suffered from numerous illnesses since he was born.
He has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, a shunt in his head to drain fluids from his brain and a tracheostomy tube in his throat to help him breathe.
Kane, who is also paralysed down one side of his body, is currently staying at Great Ormond Street Hospital and started his chemotherapy treatment yesterday (May 3).
His aunt, Alison-Jayne Stokley, 31, of Avenue Road, is raising money to help with travel and hospital funds.
She told News Shopper: “Kane’s parents have had to give up work because he needs 24-hour care – he can’t walk or talk.
Kane and Alison-Jayne
“His mum and dad provided care during the day before he was taken back to hospital.
“And then a homecare team would takeover in the night. I just want to thank everyone who is fundraising for him.”
Kane’s mum Keeley Stokley and dad Gavin have been with him while he has battled his various illnesses – he was born after just 26 weeks and only weighed 1lb.
Following his premature birth, the youngster left the hospital for the first time when he was 18 months old.
Alison-Jayne described how difficult it has been for the family.
Kane with his parents Keeley and Gavin
The mum-of-three said: “It’s terrible because you read about this happening to other people in the news and think just how awful it is.
“But, you never expect it to happen to you. It’s hard watching Kane and knowing there’s nothing we can do.
“We're here to wipe the tears. It’s a dark place to be in and one of the worst. We’re all trying to be strong for my sister and Gavin – we keep each other going.”
Kane, one of Keeley’s seven children, has a twin called Archie who constantly asks where his brother is.
Kane and his grandma Janice Stokley
Alison-Jayne added: “Archie is young but he’s always asking ‘Where’s Kane?’ and ‘Is he alright?’ We FaceTime my sister, his mum, when they’re in the hospital.
“Five of my sister’s children are staying with me at the moment and I’m happy to have them, they’re good kids.
“I don’t know how she gets through it. She’s amazing. She refuses to give up on Kane. Everyone adores her.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here