‘He is such a cheerful little soul’ – Ely boy, 3, who has rare condition that sees tumours grow on his tongue conquers 5k for charity
Three-year-old Morrey from Ely, who has rare condition that sees tumours grow on his tongue, conquers 5k for charity. Pictured with his brother Bill. Picture: KRISTEN BAILEY - Credit: Archant
A fundraising three-year-old from Ely who suffers from a rare vascular disease has completed a 5K walk.
Morrey joined his mum Kristin Bailey and brother Bill, six, in raising £300 at Hyde Park on Saturday (October 12) in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
At just over one-years-old Morrey began to grow tumours on his tongue.
"He woke up choking on his tongue with a raging temperature and we had to rush him to hospital," mum Kristen said.
Morrey's condition was diagnosed as Microcystic Lymphovenous Malformation.
The "pea size" lumps began to grow and swell until he fell ill and was taken into the care of GOSH.
Kristin, 45, called her fundraising team 'Happy Feet' and took on the walk with Morrey, Bill, her older daughter Alice and friends Lucy and Ben.
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"Morrey is such a cheerful little soul and copes really well," Kristin said.
"His tongue essentially has tumours that will continue to grow throughout his life.
"They can't be removed but can be treated with operations when needed.
"It can flare up at any time and is often worse throughout the colder months when he gets tiny little cysts that fill with fluid and blood."
Last year Morrey underwent biopsies and an operation at GOSH and now has check ups every six months.
"He is just such a happy chap, he carries on regardless," Kristin added.
"It has been very frightening for us and when the tumours grow we have been told they will shave them back down, so I am not looking forward to that."
A JustGiving page has been set up to get as many donations as possible for the hospital.
Morrey currently attends the Spring Meadow Infant & Nursery School and the family also go to the Lighthouse Church in Ely.
Kristin added: "During the walk is was amazing to see so many people, young and old, who were walking, running, scooting and pushing buggies in support of a wonderful hospital.
"Its confirmation to us that Mo is being looked after and treated by the best of the best, which is such a blessing and comfort."
To donate to the 5k walk visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/happy-feet2019?utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_content=happy-feet2019&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_source=Facebook&utm_term=KPPK7xYJq