A BRAVE young cancer sufferer stunned fundraisers in St Albans when he turned up to show his support for a charity event despite a week of gruelling tests at hospital.

Twelve-year-old Bailey Sarwa paid a quick surprise visit to the Irish Club last Friday, February 17, where Amanda Elliott and Landy Kelly were hosting a party to help raise funds for his medical care overseas.

Over �6,000 was raised for the Bailey Sarwa Appeal with Amanda, of Furse Avenue, having her locks shorn to encourage donations.

Bailey, a Year 8 pupil at Marlborough School, is fighting neuroblastoma, a rare cancer, for the second time.

Funds are desperately being raised to get him medical care in either Germany or the United States after Great Ormond Street Hospital refused potentially lifesaving antibody treatment in the UK.

Amanda’s hair was shaved off by Simon Cox of Clipso hairdressers in front of 180 people at the Irish Club, which also donated a substantial amount towards the appeal.

She explained: “It was a way of me showing Bailey that there are people who will do anything to support him and show we care. Every child who is fighting so hard for life should be given what they need.”

Amanda added: “The strong, beautiful, amazing Bailey came down with his dad Chris Sarwa to watch.”

Bailey last week endured a round of tests, including bone marrow aspiration.

Amanda said those at the event were moved to tears seeing the brave boy, adding, “he is truly loved by all.”

She went on: “My Baldy Fund as it has been named has smashed the target of �500 and has reached well over �1,500 with money still coming in.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all companies and of course all the hundreds of individuals for donating such wonderful raffle and auction prizes and their time and love.

“The night was a complete success and I even got a hug from Bailey. I am a very lucky lady.”

Bailey’s mum, Becki Jones, praised Amanda and Landy’s efforts.

She said: “I’m blown away. It’s a massive amount of money.”

Becki said that Bailey’s tests showed that while his bone marrow was now clear of cancer, his bone scan had shown no improvement despite Bailey recently undergoing three rounds of chemotherapy. He begins more treatment on Monday.

Rhian Jukes and three others recently completed a sponsored walk for Bailey in Verulamium Park.

Rhian said: “Not only was it a 6km walk, it was a fancy dress 6km walk, where two of us were chickens, one was a gnome and the other was a footballer.

“We wanted to gather as much support as possible because we feel this is a worthy cause. So far we have raised over �165 and we hope that amount will continue to increase.”