$30k raised so far to help young Lachie battle cancer

Kelly Sharpe, Lachie Sutherland and Jon Sharpe feel fortunate to have had the support of so many people during Lachie's second battle with neuroblastoma cancer. Photo: Supplied

Cantabrians are stepping up to help a young Christchurch boy battle cancer, bringing out what his mother describes as "the very best in people".

"As a result of this most unwanted experience, you get to see the very best in people,” said Huntsbury mother Kelly Sharpe in reaction to the support received for her son, Lachie Sutherland, 12, who is fighting neuroblastoma for the second time.

So far, about $30,000 has been raised towards an $80,000 goal to pay for self-funded MIGD therapy in Sydney, which Lachie is scheduled to receive later this month.

The treatment delivers targeted radiation to the rare type of cancer that develops in infants and young children.

With a number of fundraisers to go, Mrs Sharpe is “very optimistic” the target will be met.

An auction and comedy night with live music on March 14 at The Tannery’s Cassels Blue Smoke is the next event, and Mrs Sharpe is hoping to sell 350 tickets.

Following that, there will be a quiz night, karma keg night and a Hoyts movie screening.

Lachie Sutherland. Photo: Supplied

Before his MIGD therapy, Lachie has spent the past five months undergoing eight rounds of chemotherapy and seven cycles of immunotherapy and radiation.

He relapsed with neuroblastoma in August after showing no evidence of the disease since 2013. It was 2012 when Lachie was diagnosed for the first time.

He flew to Sydney, aged four, to receive MIGD therapy and was there for his fifth birthday.

His last treatment was around the same time as his father, Chris Sutherland, died from metastatic melanoma after having been diagnosed the month before.

But, six years on, Lachie is embracing life.

He is about to embark on his final year at primary school and is excitedly considering high school options.

A relapse was the last thing on anyone’s mind.

Said Mrs Sharpe: “I think everyone was surprised when the results came back showing a relapse.

“We were devastated and heartbroken and quickly catapulted back into a world we never wanted to revisit.

It was made harder by the fact Mrs Sharpe lost her mother to cancer early last year.

But in what could be considered a silver lining, she says she has been “really fortunate to have the support of so many wonderful people".

“I think we all struggle to rationalise why a child should have to experience cancer, so when they do, it seems to be something that calls people to action.

"They want to help, to make a difference and ease his suffering.”

•You can donate to Lachie’s treatment here.

Upcoming fundraising events for Lachie’s MIGD therapy in Sydney: