MONEY raised to fund city youngster Hallie Reeve’s potentially life-saving treatment will be donated to causes close to her family following her passing on Sunday.
The GoFundMe page, originally set up to raise £1million to fund a trip to America for Hallie’s CAR-T cell therapy, will remain open until the end of the year with any new donations supporting the couple with the loss of Hallie.
The two-year-old sadly lost her battle with Juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) over the weekend.
In July, a crowdfunding campaign was launched to raise the cash needed for Hallie to undergo a CAR T-cell therapy trial, which raised over £870,000 with local organisations including Coventry City Football Club organising events to raise funds.
In September, Hannah Dugdale, Hallie’s aunt who started the GoFundMe page, posted an update saying the complexity of her Leukaemia meant her body wasn’t strong enough for CAR-T therapy.
On Monday, Hallie’s father Jamie Reeve released a statement on social media breaking the heartbreaking news she had passed away the day before.
He began the statement by describing his daughter as the most gentle, loving, funny, caring, beautiful little girl.
“My heart will be yours forever. You showed me what true love is and I will never love anyone the way I loved you.
“No more hospitals. No more fighting. No more isolation. You are as free as your beloved birds now baby.
“Nothing will ever be the same again, nor will I.
“Life has shattered my hopes and dreams but I promise you, you will live on through me and I will forever keep your memory alive.
“I wish more than anything you could have stayed with me, but you are just too good for this world.”
Her grandfather Geoff Wileman also released a tribute on social media.
He said: “My comfort at this time is in the knowledge that during Hallie’s short life, she met with only love, kindness and friendship from family, friends, strangers and wonderful medical teams around the world who fought for her. I thank every one of you.
“Hallie fought hard for 18 months of her two years to beat leukaemia and many times astounded people with her courage and fortitude, always with her customary smile. Ultimately, the odds proved too great.”
Coventry City, who Hallie’s family are lifelong fans, paid their own tribute, saying everyone at the club was devastated and extending their condolences to the two-year-olds loved ones.
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/rally-for-hallie to donate to Hallie’s family.
