A YOUNG boy from Wrexham battling Leukaemia has been chosen as the mascot for an upcoming charity football match.
Griff James, 4, from Coedpoeth, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in October 2021 and is currently undergoing treatment which will last until at least 2025.
On July 1, he will lead out Wrexham Police FC who take on FC United of Wrexham at Bronwen's Green (kick-off 10.30am), to raise funds for the children's ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
Griff's mum, Kathryn James, 34, said they too are aiming to raise funds for the Children's Ward and will be hosting a raffle on the same night. They have sent up a JustGiving page for donations HERE.
Griff spends a lot of time in the Children's Ward in Wrexham Maelor Hospital and his mum describes them as being like a second family.
Kathryn said: “The staff on the ward have become our second family, they have supported us through some of our darkest moments as a family and always shower Griff with love and affection.
"Our Pediatric Oncology Nurses, Jude and Mary, visit Griff on a weekly basis to take bloods or administer treatment. They go above and beyond their roles, always on the other end of the phone no matter what. They are amazing ladies and we cannot express how much we appreciate them.
"We, his family, are on a mission to raise funds for the staff on Wrexham Children's Ward and the Pediatric Oncology Nurses who look after him. We cannot thank them enough for everything they do for Griff and our family.
“We are hoping to kick start the raffle on July 1, when Griff takes his role as mascot for Wrexham Police FC.”
The support and kindness of everyone on the Children's Ward has made such a difference to Griff, his family, and others going through the unimaginable.
Wrexham Police FC was formed in 2021 by Dave Smith, Wrexham Police Sargeant, and is made up of off-duty officers from all departments across North Wale Police in a bid to forge stronger links within the community and raise money for local causes and charities.
Sargeant Dave Smith said: "It’ll be an honour for us to have ‘Big’Griff’ as our mascot and as a team we will be proud to have him lineup alongside us when we face FC United of Wrexham next week."
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So far, Griff's family has raised just over £2,000 overtaking their initial target of £500, while Wrexham Police FC have also raised over £10,000, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney contributing £5,000 to the total.
The Children’s Ward and Oncology Nurses are an invaluable resource to Griff’s family. They felt that raising money was the best way they could possibly thank them for their ongoing support.
The money will go towards buying equipment and resources and to help fund training for the staff.
This Sunday, Griff will also be completing a sponsored walk with his brother and their school friends from Ysgol Bwlchgwyn around Llandegla Forest.
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