Tamworth community rallies behind Shoebridge family after one-year-old Archie diagnosed with cancer

Melissa and Michael Shoebridge recently received news no parent wants to hear - their youngest son Archie was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, Opsodonus Myoclonus Ataxia.

Unfortunately, about 50 per cent of children with Opsodonus Myoclonus Ataxia also have cancer and in a devastating double blow for the family, Archie has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma after a tumour was found in his body.

After initially being seen at Tamworth Base Hospital, Archie has now been flown to specialist care at Newcastle's John Hunter Children's Hospital.

In an effort to support the family, the local community have pulled together to raise funds and help in any way possible.

Family friend Aaron Moxley has started a GoFundMe campaign for the family, which has already raised over $8000. He is hoping to hit the $10,000 mark.

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"During this difficult time, we only want Mel and Mick to be concentrating on getting their beautiful boy back to health, without worrying about finances and accommodation," he said.

Friend Louise Dawson has been working with local businesses to coordinate additional support and has seen everything from vouchers to floral bouquets donated, with more businesses coming on board daily.

A local ambulance vehicle will also be travelling to Newcastle this Wednesday to send items to the Shoebridge family.

"In all honestly, the Tamworth community I am really amazed by, because they've really all rallied together even with Covid and the businesses struggling themselves," she said.

Archie's mother Melissa said the family is "absolutely blown away" by the support.

"We can't thank everyone enough," she said.

Melissa and Michael are well-known locally with Michael having spent many years as a paramedic in various locations including Tamworth, Bingara, Sydney and Newcastle. He now works locally in landscape construction.

Melissa is known by many parents as the owner and operator of a home child day care centre in Tamworth.

To help, contact Louise Dawson on 0474 339 467 or visit the GoFundMe page.

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