Family, friends, and local people have come together to raise over £1000 in memory of local child, Lucas Posey-Bottomley, who lost his brave battle against cancer in December 2022.

Following a 7-month battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), local child Lucas Posey-Bottomley passed away in December, and his funeral took place yesterday, 3 January 2023.

The wake was held at The Grange in Melton Mowbray, where Lucas's mother worked prior to his diagnosis. Throughout Lucas's battle, The Grange were instrumental in hosting a range of fundraising events, and have shared that, over the last five days, they have raised over £1000 in memory of "the beautiful boy Lucas".

The team posted on their social media: "Thank you all for your generous donations, in the past five days we have raised £1050 for Rainbows hospice."

Lucas with his mother (image courtesy of the Posey-Bottomley family.)

Lucas became ill in May 2022. Following several visits to his GP, he was referred to the Leicester Royal Infirmary A&E Department, where an MRI scan confirmed he had Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).

DIPG is a rare form of cancer that, in the main, affects children between the ages of 3 to 9 years. Only 20 to 30 children within the United Kingdom will be diagnosed with DIPG annually. It is a highly aggressive brain tumour located within the brain stem, in an area called the pons, which controls many of the body's vital functions. Symptoms generally develop rapidly prior to diagnosis and treatment is limited initially to steroids and, following this, radiotherapy.

Sadly, Lucas lost his brave fight in December 2022 and, supported by The Grange Garden Centre and Cafe in Melton Mowbray, his family and friends yesterday remembered his life.

Lucas with his father (image courtesy of the Posey-Bottomley family).

The team at The Grange added that yesterday, 3 January, had provided "the perfect send off for Lucas. Thank you to the team who have volunteered and customers for understanding us closing early.

"Keep your eyes peeled for more fundraising coming very soon."

The team concluded: "Sleep tight Lucas."

Nub News, alongside the Rutland community, send our condolences to Lucas's family and friends.