Couple’s pride in brave grandson

A COUPLE from Bix travelled to London to watch their seven-year-old grandson launch a campaign inspired by his fight with a brain tumour.

Alfie and Marjorie Hay said they were proud grandparents as seven-year-old Ravi Adelekan launched “Dream Week” at a reception for 65 guests at the House of Commons on Monday.

The initiative, which encourages people to realise their dreams, follows Ravi’s recovery from surgery to remove a brain stem tumour in October 2021.

Since then Ravi, who lives in Brighton with his parents Gbenga and Bethan and younger sister Maya, has raised nearly £70,000 for charity after creating a music video raising awareness of the disease.

Ravi’s Dream was released in November and starred a host of famous actors, musicians and athletes, as well as his grandparents who sang in the chorus.

The Hays watched Ravi who said he had already achieved his dreams and encourages others to do the same.

Mr Hay, 77, a former headteacher of Trinity Primary School in Henley, said: “He’s a very composed young man and he is able to cope with all the complications thrown at him.

“He has already fulfilled his dreams and now he wants the world to fulfil theirs. The way he behaves makes me feel a little guilty and inadequate about whether I should be doing more to achieve mine.”

Mrs Hay said: “We are very proud of him. It started with him wanting to sing the song and it has grown and grown.”

Dream Week, which culminates today (Friday) with “Make Your Dreams Come True Day”, has three themes to help people achieve their dreams. These are sharing your dream, helping others to achieve theirs and taking inspiration from the dreams of others.

Ravi launched the campaign from a podium after being introduced by MP Sam Tarry, whose child goes to the same school as him.

Ravi said: “My dream is to help other children with brain tumours like mine by raising awareness and funds.

“I’ve been blown away by how many people have wanted to help me achieve my dream and I started thinking about how I could help others achieve their dreams and that’s how the idea for Dream Week came about.

“It is about sharing your dreams with others as a first step towards making that then a reality and helping others achieve their dreams.”

After his speech, a representative of Brain Tumour Charity, one of Ravi’s chosen charities, told him he had been nominated for young fundraiser for the year at its awards ceremony in April. Mr Adelekan said: “He was really pleased about it, although I’m not sure he really knows the concept of an award yet because of his age.”

He said the only award his Newcastle United-mad son knew about was the golden boot for the top scorer in the Premier League.

The guests cheered Ravi before turning their attention to a screen to watch the music video which takes the form of a surprise party for Ravi.

Mr Hay, a co-founder of Henley Youth Festival, said: “We have watched the video several times and it is a very moving and beautiful song that is one of his favourites. Listening to him sing the bit at the beginning and his sister singing as well was a real tearjerker.”

The audience applauded at the end of the film.

Mrs Adelekan, 40, who was raised in Henley, said: “We were really proud of how he engaged with people in the room. He was going around chatting to everyone. Lots of people told me after how he had inspired them.”

One of the guests Ravi chatted to was Bassel Zebian, the neurosurgeon who was able to remove 70 per cent of Ravi’s tumour in a nine-hour operation at King’s College Hospital.

He said: “What can I say that hasn’t been said already about Ravi? He is selfless and courageous beyond his years and he has taken everything in his stride.

“The fact that he is now helping others who are facing the same problems is just phenomenal, especially at his age.”

The Hays, who looked after Maya when Ravi had his surgery, met Mr Zebian for the first time.

“It was lovely he made the effort to come,” said Mr Hay. “He was impressed with Ravi in the hospital and he has followed him ever since. That’s the effect Ravi has on people.”

Mr Tarry, who gave Ravi a fist bump before his speech, said he was impressed by the “immense bravery and positivity” he had shown since he was diagnosed.

He said: “His desire to help others with his fundraising and call for more community service is an inspiration to all of us, even those many years older.

“I’ve always believed in putting community first and I am honoured to use my position to support this inspiring initiative.”

Although he has now recovered from the surgery, Ravi still has to undergo operations on his face, including one on his left eye over Christmas.

His goal is to continue fund-
raising and spreading awareness about brain tumours and he has set a target of raising £250,000.

Mr Hay said he was full of admiration for his grandson, who calls him and his wife “Marley and Parley”.

He said: “I am impressed by his ability to cope with everything that comes his way. I am constantly amazed by him.”