Family of Ripon boy with rare cancer overwhelmed at generosity from community
13-year-old William Riddler was diagnosed with stage four tissue cancer in March this year
The family of a boy in Ripon with an aggressive cancer have been overwhelmed by the support from the community.
Locals are shaving their hair and businesses have donated gifts to 13-year-old William Riddler, who in March was diagnosed with stage four tissue cancer.
He can’t go to school because it’s too risky during the pandemic, so residents are hoping to raise enough money to make his back garden and home a little more enjoyable for him.
Mum, Louise Riddler, told Greatest Hits: "He's not allowed to do anything too energetic because of this clot he has on his heart, his heart rate can't go up. I have to keep telling him 'stop bouncing, stop running, please walk'. It's really hard when you've got a lively child to tell them to not do that.
"He's not been able to go to school or out to see friends. I feel guilty his friends seeing him like this. I just think they shouldn't have to.
"Cancer is associated with older people, not one of their friends from school.
"I'm just absolutely overwhelmed by the support. He's baffled as to why people are doing this. 'Why are people shaving off all their hair?' he said to me. They've all been struggling so to know they're doing this for us is great."