Vincenzo the warrior!

He was a healthy, kind, and incredibly happy little boy—full of energy and joy. But on the 1st of June 2023, our lives changed forever. For three months, Vincenzo had been complaining of pain in his lower back and legs. After countless trips to the doctor and A&E, blood tests finally revealed our worst fear: cancer. 

Our world stopped. We were suddenly thrown into a reality that no parent ever imagines. Vincenzo began a two-year treatment plan, which included:

• Six months of intense chemotherapy
• Intravenous treatments
• Chemotherapy injected into his spine to protect his brain and spinal cord
• Ongoing oral chemotherapy

There were countless nights in the hospital. He lost his hair. He experienced extreme sickness. He lost his ability to walk. And yet, through all of it, Vincenzo remained strong, focused, and incredibly brave. 

As a family, we entered a world of pain, confusion and helplessness. But within that world, we also discovered a powerful community, families who had walked this path before us, offering love, strength and solidarity. They reminded us that we were not alone.

As parents, we couldn’t take away our son’s pain. But we could choose to take our pain and turn it into purpose. We began raising awareness and funds for Children With Cancer UK, a charity that funds life-saving research into less invasive treatments, something that children desperately need.

Vincenzo’s daddy, Nathan, ran the London & Rome Marathon for the cause.

Vincenzo and I, along with our incredible family and friends, hosted bake sales, toy sales, and raffles.

Together, we raised over £16,000 for the charity. 

Vincenzo, even while fighting his own battle, remained focused on helping other children and families. His strength continues to inspire everyone who meets him.

We also want to share our deepest gratitude to those who walked beside us:

• The doctors and nurses of Kamran’s Ward in the JR Oxford, you are real-life heroes.
• Bampton Primary School, especially Miss Phillips, for your unwavering love and support.
• And to the beautiful village of Bampton, especially the school mums, who wrapped us in care like we were your own family.

This is not just a story about cancer.

This is a story of resilience, love, and community, and of one incredibly brave little boy who continues to inspire everyone he meets. 

Anna Mancari-Rees