A two-year-old boy from Chester-le-Street who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer shortly after his first birthday is set for a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. Finley Robson's holiday is being made possible by Wigan travel agency And Breathe Travel and US-based Ocean Florida, but despite significant price reductions, his family still need to raise money to make it happen.
Diagnosis and treatment
Finley was diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT) at 13 months old, after falling ill just a day after turning one. His parents, Melinda and Marc, previously told ChronicleLive how they took him to a pharmacy and then to A&E several times, but were told his illness could be a reaction to switching to cow's milk. When symptoms worsened, they took him to A&E at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle instead.
After a scan, the tumour was spotted, and Finley underwent surgery last June. In total, he has had two brain surgeries, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and countless hospital stays. While he has finished treatment and his cancer is stable, the family knows there is a high risk of relapse.
The Disney World trip
And Breathe and Ocean Florida have created a special holiday, including accommodation, Disney dining, and some special extras. However, because of expenses associated with Finley's illness, such as specialist insurance, the family still need some help to make the holiday happen.
Mum Melinda Garratt said: "When you're living with this kind of uncertainty, every day together feels incredibly precious. We can't control what the future looks like, but we can choose how we spend the time we have now. This holiday isn't just about Disney – it's about laughing together, watching Finley's face light up and making memories we'll hold onto forever."
She added: "The kindness we've been shown already has been overwhelming, and we're so grateful to everyone helping make this possible, especially And Breathe Travel and Ocean Florida."
Itinerary and support
The itinerary includes direct Virgin Atlantic flights from Manchester, nine nights at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and five nights at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, where Finley will be surrounded by giraffes, zebras, and other African wildlife he loves.
Lorraine Donnelly, founder of And Breathe Travel, added: "When we first heard Finley's story, we knew we had to do something. Every family deserves the chance to make happy memories together, especially after everything they've been through. I'm incredibly grateful to Ocean Florida for embracing this from the very beginning and helping us create something truly special. We've managed to make the holiday much more achievable, but we still need the public's support to get this wonderful family over the finish line."
Anyone wishing to support Finley's fundraiser can donate online.
