Essex boy in Tom's Trust Christmas campaign launch video

Riley Akers, who lives in Kelvedon, has been supported by Tom’s Trust since March 2018 when he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The charity provides psychological support for children with brain tumours to improve their quality of life and support their wellbeing.

Riley has undergone treatment for the tumour and is still supported by his psychologist from the trust.

The young star narrates a video which explains how the psychologists provided by the trust help to support children and their families through their diagnosis and beyond.

The video was launched yesterday as part of the charity’s 7 Wishes for Christmas campaign.

It is hoped to help potential donors understand more about what their donations will fund.

Riley’s mum Gill said: “Without the support of our Tom’s Trust psychologist, we would have been in a very different situation.

“Angela - our psychologist - has helped us through Riley’s anxiety. She is incredible, she is like a lifeline to us, she makes us smile when we are scared, and she encourages us to carry on when we really don’t feel like it.

“She is wonderful, and we are so grateful for everything she does.”

The video launches the 7 Wishes campaign - with a £10,000 target - to coincide with the trust participating in The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2021.

The challenge means every donation made to the charity up until Tuesday will be matched and therefore doubled by the Big Give donors.

Riley said: “I’m really happy that I’ve been able to do something to help Tom’s Trust because they’ve helped me and my family so much.

“I hope it helps other children like me. There’s been lots to get used to and understand and I know a video will help people.

“I’m very proud this video is being used to launch the Christmas campaign.”

To donate to Tom’s Trust visit the campaign on The Big Give website at bit.ly/3EabMzF.

Watch the new video narrated by Riley online at youtube.com/watch?v=WJBzfqen9zg.