A 10-year-old boy has raised more than £65,000 to help his best friend, who is fighting stage four cancer, after doctors initially dismissed the tumours as bruises from bullying.
Diagnosis and initial missteps
Masion Turner-Potter, 11, was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, two months ago. He is undergoing chemotherapy after a mass was found in his leg, with further tests revealing the cancer had spread to his groin, chest, and spine. His family had to push for answers after being told the marks on his body were due to bullying, and they later learned he has just a 20 per cent chance of survival.
Masion, who also has autism, had complained of body pain, but doctors attributed it to bruises from bullies and refused to investigate further, according to his family. It was the school that insisted on a medical review, noting his breathing was off and he wasn't acting normally.
Oscar's fundraising mission
Oscar Steers, 10, met Masion on his first day at school in Chichester, West Sussex, after moving from Chertsey, Surrey. Determined to help, Oscar set up a JustGiving page with a target of £1,000, planning to run a mile every day for 30 days. He smashed his target within minutes and has now raised over £65,000, with donations coming from around the world.
Oscar said: "Masion was my very first friend when I moved school, so he’s always been really special to me. When I found out how poorly he was, I just wanted to do something to help him. I love knowing that Masion watches my videos and smiles because that makes me happy too. I know I can’t make him better, but if I can make him smile and show him how many people care about him, that means so much to me. I’m sad my 30 days are over, but this isn’t the end. I will always help Masion and always be there for him. I love him so much!"
Family's gratitude and ongoing fight
Oscar's mum, Ellie, said the boys have been inseparable since their first day at school. She expressed pride in Oscar's efforts, noting he ran during two heatwaves. Masion's mum, Karren, thanked Oscar and his family for their support, saying: "The last seven weeks have turned our world completely upside down. To go from Masion having a limp to finding out he has stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma is something no family could ever expect or be prepared for. We are so incredibly grateful for Oscar and his family. What they have done for Masion has brought so much happiness during a time when the world can feel like such a dark place."
Masion is currently back in hospital, struggling with chemotherapy, and there is a tumour on his spine that could paralyse him. The family remains hopeful, and Oscar is already thinking of new fundraising ideas.
