AN EAST Lancashire charity which has helped hundreds of children battling cancer and their families is hosting a spring ball as it marks a year since changing its name.

Fight Like a Kid, formerly Theo’s Warriors, provides support to children up to the age of 16 across the United Kingdom and Ireland battling all forms of cancer.

Having received a referral following diagnosis, either directly or from staff at Manchester and Alder Children’s Hospitals, Fight Like a Kid will first send the child a bean bag, which helps with pain management.

The charity, which is completely volunteer-run, will then contact the child’s family to find out more about them so they can tailor the support they offer.

In some cases the charity funds a respite holiday for struggling families to have a “normal day” away from hospital, while in other cases it has provided vouchers as well as toys.

Volunteers from the charity, which receives between 10 and 15 referrals per month, have also visited ward 84 at Manchester Children’s Hospital at Easter, Hallowe’en and Christmas to deliver presents.

Michelle Jordan, who helped set up the charity three years ago following her grandson Theo’s battle with the rare cancer neuroblastoma, said: “We are a small charity but because of our own experiences we know what these families are going through and the kind of support they need, whether it is emotional or – when possible – financial.

“The support we receive from the public is overwhelming.

“People are proud to support us because they realise they are helping children who are suffering.

“When families come through the other side they will contact us and ask what they can do to help because they appreciate what we did for them.

“Sometimes it’s just about putting a smile on a child’s face, who maybe hasn’t smiled in a while because of the constant pain they are in, or giving a family some respite so they can remember there is something good out there.

“The money we raise allows us to do that.”

The summer ball is one of a number of fundraising events planned this year by Fight Like a Kid, which has annual running costs of around £20,000.

Fight Like a Kid is one of Blackburn Rovers’ charity partners for the 2019/20 season, and the ball will take place at their Ewood Park stadium on May 23.

All proceeds from the event will be split equally between Fight Like a Kid and the campaign to raise £35,000 to convert the Blackburn home of Det Sgt Mark Cruise, who is battling motor neurone disease.

Tickets for the ball, which runs from 7pm to midnight and includes a three-course meal, a complementary drink and raffle, are £30 and available by calling 07774 319648.

Anyone interested in fundraising for Fight Like a Kid or becoming its charity partner can email info@fightlikeakid.org.uk