TWO parents who lost their ten-year-old son to leukaemia are racing against time to raise funds for the charity set up in his name.
Leukaemia Busters desperately needs funds to keep running.
It was founded by doctors David and Bee Flavell after the tragic death of their son, Simon, aged only ten.
The pair work at Southampton General Hospital where they pioneer antibody treatments for children with leukaemia.
David, 69, who launched the research charity with his wife in 1990, said: "If we do not receive support, we will eventually run out of funds.
"We have enough for another year but after that, we will be running on an empty tank.
"In order to keep going and expand our research we really need, at least, between half a million and £1million.
"This charity is a tribute to all those people from the past and present who have raised funds for Leukaemia Busters.
"It’s always been thanks to the generosity of many people around the area, especially Southampton, throughout the years.
"It is also a tribute to the memory of our little boy Simon. He has been fundamental in driving things along.
"It is a living memorial."
READ MORE: Meet David & Bee Flavell
Over the years, David and Bee have worked closely with the Daily Echo to raise awareness of leukaemia and to help save Simon’s life.
The Echo published the pair’s research into the disease as well as an appeal to help save the youngster by finding a bone marrow donor, which went worldwide.
And with their charity on a knife-edge, they are once again hoping to drive donations by taking part in the RideLondon-Essex 100-mile cycling event on May 29.
David said: “I am always optimistic. I have never been a pessimistic man. You have to have optimism when you are trying to help these little people.
“I will keep on doing as much as I can.
“We have got a wonderful laboratory in Southampton and we are absolutely intent on pushing our work forward over the next few years.”
To support the charity, click here to donate.
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