More than £1,000 raised in fundraiser for Nevah Richards

It comes as a community rallied together at Dorchester Cricket Club in support of 13-year-old Nevah Richards from Crossways who has a rare and particularly aggressive form of bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma.

During the event Nevah’s friend Sophie Brown had her head shaved so that ‘Nevah didn’t feel so alone.’

The head shave and additional money collected on the day amounted to £1,000 - and it means total fundraising has now reached almost £11,000.

Sophie, 17, from Puddletown, set up a fundraiser in order to bring Nevah's dream of owning a golden retriever puppy to life and in line with Nevah's wishes, any additional money raised is going to the Christie Charity, an NHS cause campaigning to diagnose Ewing Sarcoma cancer earlier with a new innovative blood test.

Nevah is now on a chemotherapy protocol and hopefully will find herself in remission. But this cancer has a history of reoccurrence so the development of a blood test that could catch the next growth early will help her have options for the future.

Sophie and Nevah met at the cricket club, alongside Nevah’s sister Marla earlier this year, and formed an instant bond.

Nevah (Left) and her sister Marla (Image: supplied)

Former Thomas Hardye School student Sophie said: “We haven’t known each other for the longest amount of time, and I think that’s what makes our friendship so close.”

She said of the fundraiser: “It was amazing and just to see Nevah and Marla smiling and having fun, and knowing that I was able to help Nevah have a boost of confidence was amazing as well.

“I’m glad that Nevah has now seen that I am here for her and that it’s not just words on paper – I have Nevah and Nevah has me.”

Sophie’s mum Susan explained that Nevah and Marla both helped to shave Sophie’s hair.’

She described the event as ‘emotional,’ adding: "There were a few tears, especially from Sophie as she had an idea of how Nevah felt."

On the day there was also a barbecue, raffle, facepainting and a cake stall alongside a variety of cricket games. 

Susan said: “The fundraiser went really well, there was quite a few people there. It was a nice day and some of Nevah’s family came down from Scotland.

“Nevah played a little bit of cricket and Marla, her sister, got quite tearful.”

Sophie and her dad Stephen at the fundraiser (Image: Sophie Brown)

Sophie plans to continue the fundraising efforts to support her friend with plans for a potential bake sale.

Funds raised so far have meant that Nevah will be welcoming her dream puppy into the family next month.

Sophie said: “Nevah has already planned outfits and names for her puppy.”

To find out more or to donate visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/nevahs-dream