Bolton: Family continue to help boy with the rare "suicide disease"

Dillon Wilford, from Sharples, was diagnosed with CRPS (Complex regional pain syndrome), in February 2022, three months after he woke up with a limp, and with agonising pain in his leg.

The family are hoping to raise £100,000 to send Dillon to America for specialist treatment, which is only available there.

• Ten-year-old fighting for childhood - after “suicide disease” diagnosis

Andrew Dean, who lives in Harwood, embarked on a gruelling 32.5-mile Three tower challenge, starting at Andrew Lane walking to Peel Tower, over then to Darwen Jubilee Tower and then across to Rivington Pike before finishing at the Brewhouse, Sharples.

Andrew also walked in memory of Dillon’s father Marc – who tragically died when Dillon was just six months old.

Andrew was close friends with Marc, and they went to secondary school together.

Family friends resting after a tough hike for Dillon

He said: “We are just stepping up and doing our bit for Dillon, especially since Marc isn’t here to do it.

“It’s hard to have anybody go through it, but when it’s your friend’s son, it’s quite hard to see.

“It would mean a lot.

“Marc was always the first person to help you out.

“Do anything if he could for his friends and family.

“He helped me many times, so to do this means everything.

“I also want to help raise money and awareness of it, because more needs to be done in the UK because it’s just very unknown.

“Dillon’s just a normal, young child.

“To see him in his wheelchair, trying to play, after seeing him run around and have water fights, is just heart-breaking.”

Andrew was also joined by 12 of his friends, where they were joined by a support group to help with any injuries.

Marc’s sister Emma Heywood helped organise the support group.

Dillon’s mum Melanie also came to show her support.

Dillon enjoying Christmas with his mum Melanie (Image: Maddison Cresswell)

Andrew added: “It was hard because I have done marathons before, but this was a different pain.

“But it was worth doing something his dad couldn’t do.”

The family have already raised £43,000, but they desperately need to reach their goal.

In hopes of helping Dillon receive the treatment, they have set up several fundraisers themselves, including a special golf tournament and a family disco.

• Family continue to help boy with "suicide disease"

Dillon’s sister Maddison Cresswell said: “We have been so overwhelmed by the kindness we have experienced and so grateful for everyone who has helped us reach £43,000, which includes an amazing £10,500 from the fun day.

“The fun day went better than we could have imagined, I remember looking around and seeing the vast amount of people filling the room and thought 'this is amazing, they’re all here for Dillon'.

“Dillon is much the same but went to a hospital in Bath last week for pain management which was amazing.

“The team were so good with him and taught him techniques to manage his anxiety which helped him to get a sock back on his foot for a short time.

“An amazing result but still just a fraction of what we’re working for and we’re not ready to stop. “The daily challenges are still there for Dillon and all of us, but we are filled with hope and determination from everyone’s generosity and support.

“We are still fighting, for Dillon and for the other people across the UK and the world who aren’t recognised with CRPS.

“We think it’s so important that CRPS is more researched and well known, so that when presenting at A&E, CRPS is considered as a possible diagnosis.”

Dillon is currently booked in for  treatment in Texas for the end of August, which is expected to help manage the pain.

Dillon enjoying himself during the fundraiser

Dillon’s condition is associated with the imbalance and malfunction of the autonomic nervous system.

It means that Dillon can’t even stand wind or rain on his leg without the most 'horrific attacks of pain' causing hours of high-pitched screaming.

There is no cure for it at the moment other than treatment at the Spero Clinic, in Arkansas, USA.

The treatment is expected to help get Dillon into remission.

Although there is little research, the research that exists shows that early diagnosis and treatment form the best chances of remission.

Click here (www.gofundme.com/f/help-dillon-get-treatment) if you would like to donate to the fundraiser.