RESIDENTS of Ross-on-Wye are coming together to support seven-year-old Oliver Slater and his family as Oliver currently faces a battle with bone cancer.

Diagnosed in February, after months of medical visits and misdiagnosis, Oliver’s journey has deeply touched the hearts of the local community. His family, already under immense emotional strain, now urgently needs help to cover the escalating costs of his treatment and care.

Oliver, who celebrated his seventh birthday on New Year's Day, has been undergoing chemotherapy and will require future surgery, potentially including a thigh bone and hip replacement.

His family, including parents Laura and Shaun, have been at his side in Birmingham Children’s Hospital, far from their home in Ross-on-Wye. This has meant both parents have had to take extended leave from work, adding further financial strain.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to raise £15,000 to help cover the costs associated with Oliver’s treatment, medical expenses, and the adaptations that may be necessary at home.

Oliver, who loves martial arts, swimming, football, and building Lego, has also greatly missed the simple joys of everyday life, like being at school with his friends, playing outside, and spending time with his beloved dog Daisy.

On Saturday, February 22, Morrisons in Ross-on-Wye will host a bucket collection in the foyer, inviting locals to contribute and raise much-needed funds for Oliver’s treatment, ongoing care, and the additional support his family requires during this challenging time.

Laura Slater, Oliver’s mother, has reached out to the public for assistance, saying: “We hate to ask, but Morrisons in Ross have kindly offered to do a bucket collection for Oliver. Shaun and I aren’t sure where we’ll be, so if anyone could help with a small stint at Morrisons with a bucket, we would be very grateful.”

In addition, a fundraising event will be held at the Ross Conservative Club on Thursday, March 13. The event will feature a bingo night and a raffle with an opportunity to donate prizes.

The local community has already shown overwhelming generosity, with several businesses contributing to the raffle, and further donations are encouraged.

The Ross Conservative Club organisers have expressed their appreciation for the support, stating: “Everyone welcome. Please come and help raise as much as we can. Thank you to Morrisons and our members who have already donated some wonderful prizes. If anyone or businesses would also like to donate, please get in contact with us.”

Laura, speaking on behalf of her family, expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying: “We would never have thought that one person’s act of kindness and willingness to want to help—in Hari Fell setting it up—could lead to so many more acts of kindness, love, and support. So again, thank you from all 4 of us: Shaun, Laura, Lily, and especially Oliver.”

If you would like to contribute, volunteer for the bucket collection, or donate to the raffle, please contact the Ross Conservative Club or visit the GoFundMe page.