Emneth man raises more than £750 through fundraising events at Legends in Wisbech for young grandson diagnosed with arthritis after football injury

A Fenland man who has been fundraising for causes over the last few years held another successful one, but this time for his grandson.

Gerry Ryan, 66, of Emneth, who has been fundraising for causes that have supported him after being diagnosed with severe emphysema in 2021, organised an event for his seven-year-old grandchild, Alfie Thomson, who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The event was held over the weekend – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – at Legends Sports Bar in Wisbech, which was run by Betty Cunningham, who does “so much for the community”.

The weekend consisted of a Motown and Northern Soul evening, a darts and a pool competition with a £100 prize and a bar voucher up for grabs.

Gerry put on this event to raise money for Alfie’s mum, Nikki Ryan, to make their garden more accessible and for a ramp at the front of the house.

Alfie took a knock when he was at football around eight weeks ago, and since complaining of pain in his right knee and visiting the GP many times, he was seen by a paediatrician and was admitted to the children’s ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Lynn.

He was then diagnosed with arthritis in both knees and ankles, one elbow, and two fingers, and is having to use a wheelchair.

The event raised £775, plus Legends and Betty Cunningham had already donated £400.

Gerry said: “On behalf of Alfie, myself, and our family, and friends, we want to thank you all so very much. Alfie's Garden is scheduled to start in early August.