Rio’s ringing the changes

A LITTLE boy fighting cancer has completed radiotherapy treatment in a milestone moment for him and his family.

Rio Spurr (3) was diagnosed with Wilms tumour in April this year — a rare form of kidney cancer, with only 70 children diagnosed every year in the UK.

Former Millers shotstopper Richard O’Donnell and his son Archie raised over £7,000 for Rio and his family by undertaking a 3km run every day throughout July.

Tommy Spurr, Rio’s footballing dad who played for Sheffield Wednesday and Doncaster Rovers, posted an emotional video on his social media account which showed Rio ringing a bell inside Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Rio was surrounded by his family along with staff at the hospital who cheered and clapped as Rio rung a bell — which usually signals the end of treatment for cancer patients.

Tommy, who was thankful for messages of support, including from the likes of former footballer Jermaine Beckford and current Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan, said: “Ringing the bell signifies the completion of a treatment, not a cure.

“We have a long road of chemo still ahead but we are praying this part of Rio’s treatment has smashed the cancer from his lungs.

“It really does mean the world to us to have so many people supporting Rio and giving so much positivity whilst he is on this journey.”

Rio’s mum, Chloe Spurr, added: “Rio has been through far too much already and a lot more to come but still he continues to smile and sing his way through this hideous disease.

“Rio’s infectious personality and beautiful smile are what keep Tom and me going.”

Rio is continuing to receive treatment at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital with a series of chemotherapy sessions.

So far, a host of fundraisers for Rio have helped to raise over £66,000. Visit https://tinyurl.com/Rio-Spurr to make a donation.