Fundraising cycle for Children’s Hospice South West in memory of Riley

Riley Roberts, from Shepton Mallet, passed away in November 2012 due to a rare brain tumour.

Riley diagnosed when he was only five, with medics and doctors telling the parents Tuesday and Alex, that he may not even make it to his sixth birthday.

Riley's mother Tuesday first saw his symptoms on Christmas 2011, after she noticed he was unstable on his feet.

“I took him to the doctors expecting them to tell me he had an inner ear infection,” she said.

“But they sent me straight to Yeovil Hospital where scans and tests revealed just a few weeks later that Riley had a rare brain tumour.”

“They told me that there was nothing they could do for him, and he would be unlikely to make his sixth birthday.”

“It all came as a huge, huge, horrible shock.”

After being informed by doctors on his diagnosis, the couple were referred to send Riley to Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) Charlton Farm children’s hospice in Wraxall.

“Initially I didn’t want to go,” said his mother.

“He was my son, my baby, and I wanted to care for him myself.”

Riley was first visited at Charlton Farm in March 2012 by his whole family, including little sister Tallulah.

“We stayed for a week, and it was amazing for us as a family,” said Tuesday.

“Over the following months as a family we were supported by Charlton Farm. Just knowing they were there at the end of the phone was such a comfort.

“The hospice has also been so valuable for Tallulah which was really important when Riley was getting so much of the attention.

“The sibling team was amazing and there was always something special for her to do.

“Each time we went to hospital, Riley always wanted to make sure we took something back for Tallulah.

“When I fell pregnant with Eliza, Riley came to one of the scans. He wanted to meet his new little sister and, just for that brief moment in time, I wanted us to be a family of five.”

Eliza was born in May 2013. She was the little sister that Riley never got to meet.

Riley's heart-warming smile. (Image: CHSW)

Riley died at the hospice in November 2012, with his loving family by his side. He was known for being a ‘kind and gentle’ boy, who was also a huge fan of Super Mario.

“Riley was the kindest little boy ever,” said Tuesday.

“The hospice didn’t just care for us as parents when we lost Riley.

“They cared for us as a family unit and has continued to do so over the years.

“This was so valuable not only for Tallulah but also for Eliza because it has helped her feel included in our journey with Riley, although she never got to meet him.

“We are still getting that support all these years on and when we return there it almost feels like we are going back home.”

After Riley’s death, a fundraiser was set up by the family in his memory

Over the years, supporters and family have raised £30,000 for CHSW from fashion catwalks, puppet shows, cake sales and other events.

The family has also taken part in the charity’s annual Santas on The Run event to help raise more money for children just like their little boy.

“As a family we feel passionately about raising money for the hospice,” said Tuesday.

“Having its support has been the best thing for us. The money we raise will help ensure this incredible service continues to be there for other families at a very difficult time in their lives.”

A friend of the family named Paul Hardwick, who was the couple’s best man at their wedding, is now taking part in the charity’s Ride for Precious Lives.

The ride will be 200 miles from Bristol to Cornwall from July 12 to 14, visiting the charity’s three hospices on route.

Paul, who is 41 and from Evercreech, is hoping to raise a whopping £2,000 for the charity.

“I visited Riley a couple of times at the hospice,” said Paul.

“Seeing the support the charity offered the family I wanted to give something back and do something in Riley’s memory.

“Riley left a lasting impression on all of our lives. He was a very special little boy.

“He will be in my thoughts during every mile I cycle.”

CHSW area fundraiser Kylie Gallagher said: “Thank you so much to Tuesday, Paul and their family and friends for their continued support of the vital work we do to raise awareness and money for local children and their families going through the most difficult of times.

“Tuesday has helped us in all sorts of ways over the years, fundraising and encouraging others to, volunteering her time and speaking about her story to name a few.

“A massive good luck to Paul who I will be supporting along the whole of his fundraising challenge too.”

Anyone wanting to make a donation can visit Paul’s fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/team-riley.