Sutton family launches '˜Dawson's caravans' in memory of their toddler son

Dawson’s Home For Heroes is to provide “lasting memories” for other families with ill children, while Siblings and Sunshine is for siblings who have lost a brother or sister.

The toddler’s family are picking up the pieces of their lives three months after their precious son lost his battle with a rare form of cancer.

This week they announced they are continuing with the fund-raising in his memory as they launch their Cake for Dawson appeal on May 18.

The two-year-old captured the hearts of a whole community after he was diagnosed with heptoblastoma in January last year.

Wendy, mum of Dawson, who lost his battle with cancer in November, said: “We wanted one for bereaved families to use and acknowledge the siblings who have lost a brother or sister to let them know they aren’t forgotten.”

“We had close family and friends there, it was lovely.

“We put ribbons and balloons around them and raised a toast to Dawson.”

It is just a year since Wendy and dad David, of Warnadene Road, Sutton, launched a “Dollar for Dawson” fundraising campaign to pay for pioneering treatment in America.

The family began the appeal after UK-based chemotherapy failed, More than £350,000 was raised to fund Dawson’s treatment in the USA.

But after the family were given the heart-breaking news that the cancer was too aggressive, they decided to put some of the money raised toward purchasing a £55,000 caravan at Butlin’s Skegness, to be named Dawson’s Home for Heroes. The caravan is to give a much needed free holiday for children with life threatening illnesses or diseases and their families.

They then decided to have another caravan built for bereaved siblings.

Wendy said: “We have had quite a lot of bookings and more than 30 families have got in touch.

“Dawson’s Home for Heroes has no weekends left now for the summer, it has been so popular.

“Some of the messages we have had have been incredibly moving.

“Children in wheelchairs have never had the chance to go on that sort of holiday. It is wonderful for them to have that sort of opportunity.”

Dawson’s Home for Heroes has sliding doors and aisles, and wider bedrooms.

It has a large wet room with a seat and shower and is fully adapted for any wheelchair.

“One of the families who have used the second caravan lost their daughter in a road accident last year and they said they loved the chance to have a break.”

The family deliberately selected the day when they officially launched the caravans, the anniversary of a day that changed their lives for ever.

April 12 was the day they were told their little boy had a very little chance of survival.

Wendy said: “Following a repeat scan, less than a week before Dawson’s surgery to remove his tumour, it was confirmed Dawson’s cancer had spread.

“So one year on, on a day we will feel that sting more than normal, we focused on opening Dawson’s Home For Heroes.

“We wanted to have a positive reason to mark the 12th.

“We miss our little man so much and we will all make him proud like he did us.”

The family is also launching a national cake sale day on the anniversary of the Dollar For Dawson appeal.

Wendy said: “Friday, May 18 sees one year since we launched A Dollar For Dawson, and although the fundraising hasn’t been spent on how it was intended, we are able to support families and put smiles on very poorly children’s faces.

“We are trying to get as many people as possible across the UK to have a cake sale to raise funds for us and keep these happy times going as Dawson’s legacy.

“The Butlins caravans alone cost us over £10,000 a year to run.”

Could you have a cake sale on May 18 for the appeal at your school, cafe, business, or sports club?

Visit https://www.facebook.com/dawsonsfightagainsthepatoblastoma/ for more details.

Contact the page and Dawson’s family can arrange to send you a poster to display and an official collection pot.