“I would ask anyone who wants to help Zac to make a donation to the Neuroblastoma Alliance UK. While we are pleased that Zac’s RIST treatment has been funded we are keenly aware that Zac may need more therapy in future as a result of this relapse. Bob and I also want the charity to be able to help other children who have yet to come forward so that they too can get the treatments they need.”  Zac’s mother Sam.

In February 2009, one month before his 5th birthday, Zachary was diagnosed with stage IV acute neuroblastoma at Leicester Royal Infirmary after doctors discovered a 10cm tumour in his stomach and smaller growths on his thigh and pelvis. 

After his diagnosis, Zac had a gruelling 72-day course of high-dose chemotherapy, which significantly reduced the size of the tumour but also damaged his hearing.  . Brave Zac then underwent surgery to remove the tumour. Three days after completing the chemotherapy, he had a stem-cell transplant, which re-inserted stem cells that had been frozen before the chemotherapy was administered.

Because his immune system had completely shut down, Zach was kept in isolation throughout his recovery in hospital. The risk of infection was high and, despite being isolated, he contracted severe mucositis, which caused severe blisters in his mouth.  

Zac then went on to have immunotherapy treatment in Greifswald, Germany. Thanks to Zac’s MP, Peter Bone, who so ably represented his constituent in Parliament, his treatment abroad was funded by his PCT.  

Zac is a charismatic and lovable little boy who enjoys playing football and is an avid supporter of Manchester United. He was chosen as a mascot and appeared on live television when his team played against Everton. Despite his neuroblastoma and the debilitating treatments he has endured, Zac loves playing outside on his bike with his friends or inside on his Wii. When little Zac received a ‘wish’ from the Starlight Foundation, which grants wishes to sick children, Zac did not choose to meet a footballer, pop singer or demand a new computer but asked if he could spend a day with his dustmen!

Zac and his parents Sam and Bob were devastated to learn in June 2011 that Zac’s neuroblastoma had relapsed. Zac’s oncologist spoke to Professor Lode in Germany who recommended the experimental RIST treatment schedule which consists of 4 drugs: Sirolimus, Dasatinib, Irinotecan and Temozolomide. The Neuroblastoma Alliance UK has supported Zac and his family by covering the costs of the RIST treatment.