'It's all for Harper': Final fundraising push for Gosport toddler’s life-changing Cytotron treatment in Mexico
A mum is continuing to fundraise for life-changing treatment for her two-year-old
One final push is needed to raise life changing funds for a toddler with brain damage who will undergo innovative treatment abroad.
Ellen Goulding, from Gosport, launched a GoFundMe page for her two-year-old, Harper, earlier this year to raise money for Cytotron treatment in Mexico which could improve her daughter’s quality of life.
Harper, who was born on April 14, 2024, was diagnosed with severe brain damage, known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), following placental abruption which occurred during unexpected complications at birth.
Since starting the fundraiser, Ellen has raised £20,000 and has put a deposit down to secure Harper’s place on the treatment plan, which will involve being in an MRI-style machine an hour a day for 28 days. Cytotron treatment can regenerate damaged brain cells using electromagnetic waves.
The 31-year-old said: “We do now have our dates for Mexico. We are going on the 16th of September and we will be out there until October.
“I am just trying to remain hopeful that this does something for her but I’ve got everything crossed for the best outcome. It is a lot of money. In the space of two months, we have raised £9,000 which is amazing.
“We are going in a matter of months and I’m just trying to process everything, it’s all go, go, go. It is a lot but I know it’s for the best reason. It’s all for Harper and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Despite hitting the £20,000 mark, multiple community events will take place throughout the summer to continue the fundraiser efforts.
Events will include a bingo evening at Artys on June 27, a hockey day on August 1, a fun day on August 9 at the Carisbrooke Pub, in Gosport, and a darts event will take place on September 12 at Fareham Social Club.
Ellen added: “Harper in herself is doing so well and I do believe she has got so much potential with the treatment. It is going to be difficult being away from the other children but a month in a lifetime - what is that? I am excited to have this opportunity and we wouldn’t have been able to do this without the support of everyone. A lot of people have come together to help.”