THE “REEM” of the crop from ITV show The Only Way is Essex, Joey Essex, showed his support for the Bailey Sarwa Appeal at a fundraiser in St Albans last Friday.

Joey, a nightclub promoter known for his love of orange Ugg boots, was a special guest at Batchwood Hall on March 2.

He spoke with friends Kayla Baptiste, Jade Cook and Emily Allegri about the ordeal faced by Bailey Sarwa, a brave St Albans boy who is fighting a rare cancer, neuroblastoma, for the second time.

The trio were selling wristbands to help raise funds for overseas treatment for the 12 year old, a Year 8 pupil at Marlborough School.

Bailey’s parents, Chris Sarwa and Becki Jones, along with their many friends and supporters are in a desperate race to raise up to �500,000 for vital antibody treatment for the boy in either Germany or the United States.

Bailey’s original symptoms of severe stomach pain at the age of four were dismissed as constipation by doctors on eight separate occasions. Eventually one noticed a grapefruit-sized tumour and he successfully underwent treatment.

Bailey was in remission for almost seven years, but the cancer returned late last year. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

However he has been denied potentially life-saving antibody treatment as it is not yet standard care for people with neuroblastoma, and is currently only available to patients taking part in a clinical trial in the UK.

A recent disco and raffle event at the Green Dragon pub in London Colney resulted in nearly �2,500 being raised for the appeal.

Organiser David Kauder, a friend of Becki’s, thanked the pub’s landlady, manager and the many businesses, including Marks & Spencer and the “very, very generous” Boots pharmacy at London Colney, and others for their time and donations towards a raffle.

David, of London Colney, said 870 raffle tickets were sold for the event.

n Peppa Pig, Fireman Sam and Red Watch fire brigade are among the entertainment lined up to take place at Francis Bacon School’s sports hall this Saturday, March 10, from 1pm.

n There will also be a zumbathon for children and adults at the fundraiser. For the less energetic there are stalls offering everything from candles and teddy tombola to face painting and refreshments.

n The Waterend Barn in St Albans is holding a charity/kids fun day on Friday March 16, which includes a barbecue, magician, raffle, t-shirt making and a charity stall for Bailey.

n The appeal has so far raised over �48,000. To help Bailey, go to www.bmycharity.com/BaileySarwaAppeal