William’s story began when he arrived on his due date 28th December 1995 in Dover. He was a very lively and bright toddler and eager to learn. He was an active child and enjoyed swimming lessons and gym school, receiving many certificates along the way. As William grew up he would channel his energy into playing football at every opportunity and was very proud (as was his mum), when he made the school football team. As well as playing football, William was extremely knowledgeable about the sport, especially his favourite team, Chelsea. He also liked to support his local team, Dover Athletic and would often watch them play. William continued to be very active and his after-school sessions included football training and matches, five-a-side, tennis, cricket and swimming lessons. He showed a particular talent for tennis and took part in a scholarship scheme.
In November 2005, after a tennis lesson (now aged 9), William complained of a bad headache. Over the next few days he started being sick in the mornings and felt dizzy. Having been diagnosed initially with an ear infection, an MRI scan showed William had a brain tumour – medulloblastoma. The illness quickly took its toll and although the operation to remove the tumour was successful, it affected his mobility and worse still had spread to his spine. William initially responded well to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, however in October we found out that the cancer had spread even further throughout his body. William died aged just 10 years and 10 months on 20th October 2006 , surrounded by his loving family.
Maureen, his mother, and her family have set up the SDBTT William Doolin Fund to help other children and their families who may find themselves in a similar situation in the future. The aim is to raise funds specifically for research into medulloblastoma. This type of brain tumour is the most common primary central nervous system tumour in children and is also one of the most aggressive.
William’s family and friends will remember his bravery (for which he won a special award from his Cub Group), and also his sense of humour which kept all of us strong throughout the last year. William will remain in all of our hearts and not a day will go by when we do not think of him.
The Fund has a dedicated website in William’s memory, please visit it to find out more.
Fundraising Events
The SDBTT William Doolin Fund has had many fund raising events this year including:
A street collection and family race night in March. The street collection involved many of Williams’s friends who came along to support us adults! We had our first Race night and was enjoyed by all those who kindly supported us.
In April one of our supporters, James, ran the Taunton half marathon, (http://www.justgiving.com/runforamelie/) raising almost £2000 for the fund.
Also in April, Chris, the father of one of William’s friends, Sacha, ran the Antwerp half marathon raising over £450 (http://www.justgiving.com/christopherwild1/)
In June we had two more events including the annual White Cliffs Walk with friends of William and their families. Also, an annual Charity Cricket Match organised by William’s uncle raising over £700.
In September we have a quiz night and we are starting to organise for next year!
On behalf of the SDBTT William Doolin Fund we would like to thank all our supporters in helping us to fund research into medulloblastoma.
William’s friends remembering him on his anniversary 20th October by sending balloons with their personal messages