Rycroft Alport Foster was a wonderful little boy, born with a rare condition, Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS). He won the hearts of the team at Colchester Hospital Children’s Ward but very sadly, despite a successful bone marrow transplant at Great Ormond Street in March, he passed away from an infection in June, at just 16 months. 

His family want to raise awareness of Rycroft's story and how people can help other children and families going through similar experiences. In tribute to Rycroft’s memory, they set up a crowdfunding page and over £38,000 has so far been raised from friends, family and well-wishers. SDS UK, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Colchester Hospital Children’s Ward are the charities chosen to benefit from this incredible fundraising total.

"The fundraising is an acknowledgement of how brilliant the NHS is as an institution and we want to acknowledge the amazing care we have had"

Catherine, Rycroft’s mum works in the publishing industry and support has come from there, from the Wivenhoe community and from rugby league supporters (Rycroft’s dad Andrew is a lifelong Bradford Bulls fan). The family hope to keep up the momentum and make Rycroft’s story widely known, to not only raise funds, but also awareness of SDS and the important need for more people to join the bone marrow donor register.

To donate visit: Justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Remembering-Rycroft

We are overwhelmed by the incredible donations received. A big thank you to everyone that has so generously supported from us and the Children's Ward team. 

More Fundraising News