Halstead community supporting boy, 11, with cancer

Richard Hearn, 39, runs a football club in Witham, where he met 11-year-old Witham boy, Freddie McIntosh-Brown, in 2022.

Freddie was diagnosed with soft tissue cancer in June 2023.

Since the diagnosis, Freddie has undergone many operations, scans and tests, as well as nine rounds of chemotherapy.

He is currently undergoing seven weeks of daily PBT radiotherapy and six months of maintenance chemo.

Richard coaches Freddie at Colne Valley Football club (Image: Richard Hearn) Richard said: “I met Freddie two years ago at a different football club when I was assistant manager.

“He’s got a line, like a tube, through his body and if it’s moved it could be really bad.

“I’ve never seen him play a single game of football, but he turns up every single Sunday to support the team and we all appreciate it so much."

In support of Freddie and his cancer treatment, Richard will be taking part in next year’s London Marathon.

He will also be hosting a fundraising event at Colne Valley Golf Club in February.

The fundraiser will see two live bands, a raffle and auction with prizes donated by town businesses.

All funds raised at the event will be donated to national charity, Spread A Smile – chosen by Freddie.

The charity makes visits to NHS hospitals and hospices across the country, bringing ‘joy and laughter’ to seriously ill children.

(L-R) Nick Hards, Richard Hearn, Freddie McIntosh-Brown, Robert Garton and Alfie Hards are ready to support a worthy cause (Image: Halle Groves) A number of Halstead businesses have already donated prizes for next year’s event, including Hume’s bakery and Hards butchers.

As well as donating meat hampers, the butchers will fundraise for Spread A Smile from their shop in the High Street.

Butchers owner Nick Hards works alongside his son, Alfie, and Robert Garton, who has worked for the family-run business for almost 20 years. 

Nick said: "We want to help out for Freddie.

"It's a nice thing to do for the community, and we're lucky because we're always well supported.

"We want to help raise funds and awareness in support of Freddie and give back to our amazing community."

So far, more than 300 people are expected to attend Richard’s fundraiser at the football club, including Freddie and his family.

Richard said: “I believe Freddie’s line is being taken out in February.

“If this does happen, he’ll be able to get involved.

“But regardless, he’ll be there with his football shirt on.

“We’re all very proud of him and want to support him as much as we can.”

For more information, contact Richard at hearnbrickworks@hotmail.co.uk