A FAMILY from Great Dunmow has raised more than £23,000 to say thank you to the hospitals who treated their son, Oliver Amott, for leukaemia. The Oliver s Gift Appeal Auction of Promises was held at the Silver Jubilee Hall and the adjoining Sports and Soc

A FAMILY from Great Dunmow has raised more than £23,000 to say thank you to the hospitals who treated their son, Oliver Amott, for leukaemia.

The Oliver's Gift Appeal Auction of Promises was held at the Silver Jubilee Hall and the adjoining Sports and Social Club in Takeley to show their appreciation for the help, care and support at Ward C2 at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, and the Dolphin Ward at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.

More than 300 people attended the evening on October 6, to bid on lots that ranged from a fantastic two-week cruise to the Seychelles, to a bag of potatoes.

Guests were entertained by group Guitared and Feathered who performed for free and the auctioneer was former Social Club Steward, Frank Parker.

Oliver's parents, Darren and Jane Amott said: "We, and our families, would like to convey our immense gratitude to all of those people who have supported the Appeal.

"We've raised £23,000 and the money is still coming in."

It all started in February this year when Oliver, aged 21 months, was diagnosed with leukaemia after his mother, Jane, discovered a rash and bruising over his body.

She and husband Darren took him to the emergency GP at Tasker House, Dunmow, on the Sunday morning, where they were advised to take the little boy to St John's Hospital in Chelmsford immediately.

Oliver had a series of blood tests taken and a lumber puncture confirmed he had leukaemia.

The following day Oliver was transferred to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge where he has now spent eight months undergoing treatment.

A spokesman said: "Throughout all of this Oliver has kept up his bubbly personality despite the pain and aggravation he has had to suffer."

The money raised from the auction will be spent on equipment for the two hospital wards where Oliver has been receiving his treatment.

For many children who are diagnosed with leukaemia, the only option is a bone marrow transplant and donors are always being sort.

Anyone aged between 18 and 40 can be considered for inclusion on the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Register and can find out more by logging onto the website www.

anthonynolan.org.uk