THE coronavirus crisis has impacted on a campaign to send a brave nine-year-old girl for treatment in New York - but she WILL be treated.

The family of Eva Williams, of Marford, have been assured that the Rofft Primary School pupil will undergo treatment for a rare brain tumour despite the US travel ban and the hospital in New York being closed to new admissions both locally and internationally.

This would have ruled out Eva from the trial as it was eligible to children 12 weeks after they had finished radiotherapy.

The Leader:

Evan with parents Paul and Carran Slapa and brothers Ethan and Finn

But Eva's dad Paul Slapa said both the New York University Langone Health doctors and those at Alder Hey in Liverpool have assured him that Eva is eligible for another branch of the trial.

Paul said: "We have been assured that Eva is still eligible and she will be treated.

"It was disappointment when treatment at the hospital was suspended, but we totally understand the reasons for it.

"We just need to make sure that when she can travel and can be treated that the money is there. That is why we are focussed on the fundraising."

When that will be is uncertain as the treatment would see Eva's immune system hit rock bottom. But when the all clear is given, Paul and his wife Carran want the funds in place.

So that means, the campaign to raise £250,000 to send Eva to America for treatment is very much on.

In just two weeks, the campaign has reached £200,000. The campaign had been supported by celebrities Matt Lucas and Dame Jacqueline Wilson.

But again the coronavirus has impacted on local fundraising events and larger events, such as a sportsman's dinner and auction, that were in the pipeline.

The auction will now take place online.

The Leader:

Eva Williams

Paul said: "With what is happening with the coronavirus alot of the things were were planning are just not possible. So anything we can do to keep the momentum going we will.

"We had a sportsman's dinner that was going to be held at the Golden Lion, with some great donated prizes, but that is an absolute non-starter now. It was a real blow."

He added: "The amount raised so far is incredible. Neither I or Karen expected this kind of response. To be at the £150,000 mark after just two weeks, I just can't put it into words.

"People have been amazing. Friends, family, the whole community, even total strangers. I went to the pub to drop some things off and three men came up to me and gave me £40 odd quid. That just shows the kindness people have shown us."

One good thing among the disruption caused by the coronavirus is that Eva has ended intensive therapy and is currently at no more risk than other children.

But Paul said the family were taking no chances, adding: "We have been reassured that Eva is at no more risk than any other child and the risk to children is relatively low.

"But we have not been taking any risks and we have been staying at home as much as possible."

It was on New Year's Day, the lives of Paul and Carran were changed forever when their caring nine-year-old daughter Eva was diagnosed with a rare and incurable brain tumour called DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma).

Launching the fundraising campaign, two weeks ago Paul said: "There is no cure – we understand that.

"That said, there are medical trials taking place all over the world, lead by medical teams who fight day and night to try to find something to save our children. Unfortunately, many of these trials are unavailable in the UK, and many are unavailable in Europe. Because of this, any potential treatment – which may extend Eva’s life – is highly expensive and difficult to access."

The Leader:

Fundraising events were held in Marford and Wrexham

He added: ""Eva was diagnosed with an inoperable, incurable, brain tumour known as DIPG. This is rare disease which effects a small number of children each year – it is so rare in fact, that in the last 50 years, there has been little progress in being able to identify ways to treat children with the diagnosis.

"It is a tumour which sits in the brain stem, making it impossible to remove, and because it effects the area which controls the major functions of the body, as it grows, there is one terrible outcome."

It sparked a raft of fundraising activity in Wrexham and beyond.

One of the last events to be held was a fun day in Acton.

The Leader:

Fundraisers at Acton Community Centre. Photo: Wrexham Town Police

Wrexham Town Police tweeted: "Wonderful day at Acton Community Centre raising money for a fantastic cause. Well done to all those who organised this event and all the people who attended. Best wishes EVA from all at NWP."

You can donate to Eva's treatment at https://www.gofundme.com/f/unbeatable-eva