Found Alive UK - Ashya King, 5, Southampton, 28 Aug 2015

[ZaZara]

PARENTS TELL THEIR STORY (SERIALIZED)

Daily Mail interview with Ashya parents
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ttle-boy-s-life-tell-story-It-enrage-you.html


Brett King spoke yesterday of his delight that the NHS has agreed to fund Ashya’s treatment in the Czech Republic.

‘People thought we were rolling in money but the reality was we didn’t have enough. The bills kept mounting up — for the lawyer, the proton centre, the Motol hospital where he’s staying while he’s having his treatment, the physiotherapy, the cost of transporting him out here — and we had no idea how we were going to pay them. All that mattered was making sure Ashya got better.

‘Such a weight lifted when the NHS called to say they were funding everything here. I don’t know if they’ve done this to try to salvage their reputation. They’ve certainly been pulling out the stops.

‘They’ve agreed to fund the proton treatment because, apparently, one of the oncologists at Southampton General recommended it. It is all rather strange.’

Strange indeed. This is the same oncologist who, Brett says, threatened to make Ashya a ward of court when he persistently challenged the hospital’s treatment plan.

The funding came about because Brett filled out an NHS form to apply for state-funded treatment for Ashya’s physiotherapy, occupational therapy and chemotherapy treatment in another European Economic Area country.

He was knocked for six when he was told last week that the proton treatment, which costs £58,000, would be covered as well.

Today, the Kings still have to meet their legal bills, which are expected to be in excess of £25,000 and foot the £22,000 bill of flying Ashya from Malaga to Prague in a medically-equipped private jet.

Any surplus funds from generous donations to help Ashya will be used to support other parents wishing to seek proton treatment for their children with brain tumours.

BBM



Much more at link

 

[Supernovae]

PARENTS TELL THEIR STORY (SERIALIZED)

Daily Mail interview with Ashya parents
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ttle-boy-s-life-tell-story-It-enrage-you.html


‘People thought we were rolling in money but the reality was we didn’t have enough. The bills kept mounting up — for the lawyer, the proton centre, the Motol hospital where he’s staying while he’s having his treatment, the physiotherapy, the cost of transporting him out here — and we had no idea how we were going to pay them. All that mattered was making sure Ashya got better.

This does raise the question as to what would have happened had they simply been left to their own devices after they absconded from Southampton. Mr King said in his video that he only needed to be left to get on with it and everything would be fine. What sort of value did they have tied up in their property in Spain (a two bedroom duplex according to a former neighbour and Irish Independent writer: http://www.independent.ie/opinion/t...oor-to-the-family-of-ashya-king-30551166.html, and the Spanish economy isn't exactly booming at the moment), and how long would it have taken to release it? Following on from, this how soon, if ever, would Ashya have received any further treatment (remember no donations on the same scale in this scenario) and what would this have meant for his prognosis? Presuming they managed to scrape together the headline price for the photon therapy and turned up in Prague (presumably having driven there), what arrangements would they have made for the other aspects of his treatment: chemotherapy, rehabilitation etc? Remember the Proton Therapy Centre is a specialist treatment centre, it doesn't provide other aspects of treatment. Had they even thought of this aspect? What it they ran out of money part way through? It certainly doesn't speak to a well thought through plan.

 

[Supernovae]

A blog from a Spanish radio-oncologist about proton therapy (translated from Spanish):

https://translate.google.com/transl...los-protones.html?spref=tw&edit-text=&act=url

 

[ZaZara]

This does raise the question as to what would have happened had they simply been left to their own devices after they absconded from Southampton. Mr King said in his video that he only needed to be left to get on with it and everything would be fine. What sort of value did they have tied up in their property in Spain (a two bedroom duplex according to a former neighbour and Irish Independent writer: http://www.independent.ie/opinion/t...oor-to-the-family-of-ashya-king-30551166.html, and the Spanish economy isn't exactly booming at the moment), and how long would it have taken to release it? Following on from, this how soon, if ever, would Ashya have received any further treatment (remember no donations on the same scale in this scenario) and what would this have meant for his prognosis? Presuming they managed to scrape together the headline price for the photon therapy and turned up in Prague (presumably having driven there), what arrangements would they have made for the other aspects of his treatment: chemotherapy, rehabilitation etc? Remember the Proton Therapy Centre is a specialist treatment centre, it doesn't provide other aspects of treatment. Had they even thought of this aspect? What it they ran out of money part way through? It certainly doesn't speak to a well thought through plan.

The family drove to Spain to finalize the sale of the house. The sale would have raised - at least - the £ 90.000 needed for the entire treatment. Asking price for the apartment was around 150.000.
The Proton Centre accepts delayed payment, for obvious reasons.


According to various dictionaries "to abscond" (BBM) means "To leave quickly and secretly and hide oneself, often to avoid arrest or prosecution".
IMHO it is not fair to describe the King family and their actions in that way.

Had they been left to their own devices, they would have missed their time in prison, the separation from their sick child and fared reasonably well.
By any standard, it would have been better for the bairn not to be separated from his parents and his siblings.

 

[ZaZara]

POLICE SAID PARENTS WERE THE BIGGEST THREAT TO ASHYA

Daily Mail reports:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...olice-chief-said-WE-biggest-threat-Ashya.html

The police chief told Brett: ‘From what we’ve heard from England, your other son could go in there and cause him harm. He needs protection from you all.’


[...]



‘My son arrived and handed me a note saying he had a solicitor called Juan Isidro Fernandez Diaz. He had filed for habeas corpus [unlawful detention] on our behalf.’

Under Spanish law, any parent can take a child from hospital as they see fit. The solicitor was arguing the authorities were acting outside the law in arresting the Kings and demanded their release.

‘Danny explained he was the best lawyer in Seville, who’d got in touch because he believed what was happening was terrible. He said: “He wants to help us. When you go before the judge say the accusations are false. Dad, trust me, Juan is going to sort this out.” ’


BBM

 

[ZaZara]

WE SAW PRISONERS GIVING US THUMBS UP


Daily Mail reports (serial)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...r-helped-Ashya-King-s-parents-tell-story.html



‘I was just waiting there, handcuffed,’ says Brett. ‘This very happy man came in and said: “Don’t worry, we’re going to sort this out. I’m your solicitor by the way.”

This ebullient figure was Juan Isidro Fernandez Diaz, a former judge and one of Seville’s most respected lawyers. Appalled by the Kings’ ordeal, he’d contacted their eldest son, Danny, offering to represent them.

To this day, this generous-spirited man hasn’t presented the Kings with a bill for so much as a cup of coffee. Instead, he’s made a personal donation towards Ashya’s treatment.

He burst into the courtroom and his personality took over straight away. He starts saying: “This is illegal. These people have been treated like criminals, for what?”
The judge and the equivalent of the Crown Prosecution Service just sat there in amazement

‘We were told we had 72 hours to show Ashya was in a perfect state when he was found.

‘We just had to produce the medical report and the charges would be dropped. That’s when, for the first time in two days, I broke down.'


BBM


Much more at link

 

[Ellmau]

Ashya has left intensive care, and has one more course of treatment next week.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/h...intensive-care-after-proton-beam-therapy.html

The family is suing a charity over the money raised for his treatment; now the NHS is paying, they want to give the money to other children, while the family want it for legal costs. This could get quite messy:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...donated-treatment-prague-nhs-stepped-pay.html

 

[Little Jedi]

Ashya has left intensive care, and has one more course of treatment next week.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/h...intensive-care-after-proton-beam-therapy.html

Well this sounds promising

He has "started to put on weight, he is smiling, and he is reacting to the gestures of his parents and those close to him," he said.

I'm a bit confused regarding the whole 'donations' thing & what was raised by whom......so not sure about 'all that' just yet ??

Ashya getting better is all that's important right now.

Thanks for the up-dates :wave:

 

[Supernovae]

Ashya has left intensive care, and has one more course of treatment next week.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/h...intensive-care-after-proton-beam-therapy.html

The family is suing a charity over the money raised for his treatment; now the NHS is paying, they want to give the money to other children, while the family want it for legal costs. This could get quite messy:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...donated-treatment-prague-nhs-stepped-pay.html

Are they suing, or are they just complaining on Facebook?

 

[Ellmau]

You're right - I thought they were suing, but rereading it's just complaining.

 

[ZaZara]

ASHYA KING: INCREDIBLE SIGNS OF RECOVERY. WENT OUT FOR PIZZA WITH FAMILY

The Mirror reports:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/ashya-king-showing-incredible-signs-4461993


Ashya King showing 'incredible' signs of recovery after undergoing pioneering treatment
The five-year-old, who is being treated in the Czech Republic for an aggressive brain tumour, was even well enough to go out for a pizza with his parents this week.

Iva Tatounova, of Prague’s Proton Therapy Centre, said: “He is much, much better. He’s able to sit up by himself and he’s showing great progress.
“He’s smiling and laughing. His food line was removed and his family took him to a pizza restaurant on Tuesday.”
She added: “There are no more tumours, but we must wait and see. His parents are ecstatic. Their wish came true.”

He will be discharged on Friday and next weekend is due to be flown to Spain where doctors will monitor his condition.

BBM


:nurse: :toast:

 

[Little Jedi]

Awww ..... that's great news !

 

[ZaZara]

ASHYA KING PLAYS IN THE PARK WITH BROTHER NAVEED FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER THERAPY

The Mirror reports (with video)
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/see-ashya-king-playing-park-4479452


Ashya King smiles with joy as he plays in a park for the first time since being struck down by a brain tumour.
Rocking back and forward on a ride in the protective arms of big brother Naveed, the five-year-old was filmed by mum Naghmeh and the touching video was put online by the family today.
The youngster, who is now able to communicate with his parents Brett, 51, and Naghmeh, 45, using hand signals, will today start the the first of his last three sessions of the £70,000 treatment in the Czech capital.

BBM


I follow the dispute about the use of the money that was raised for Ashya through Kids 'n Cancer.
The way I understand the conflict, it is all about definitions. Many donated to the fundraising pages of Ethan Dallas and Sanjay Ganuptra because they wanted to support the treatment preferred by the parents. Kids 'n cancer is of the opinion that they no longer have to pay since the NHS has stepped in. Others are of the opnion that it took more, and more obligations that were imposed on the parents, to get Ashya to Prague and that the view of Kids 'n Cancer is too limited. I tend to agree with the latter.

More info at the pages of Civil Society.
http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/fundr...al&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

"Civil Society Media is an independent news, publishing and events company focused entirely on charities and other civil society organisations for more than 21 years."

 

[Ellmau]

Legally, it probably depends what was stated when soliciting donations; and what the terms of the specific charity are. The Charity Commission does crack down where charities don't stick very closely to the letter (if you google charity commission kids cancer, that brings up four or five children's cancer charities currently being investigated for doing things they shouldn't).

The Kids n Cancer trust deed (registered with the Charity Commission) can be seen here: http://apps.charitycommission.gov.u...teredCharityNumber=1138702&SubsidiaryNumber=0 and reads as follows:

THE CHARITY'S OBJECTS (OBJECTS) ARE SPECIFICALLY RESTRICTED TO THE FOLLOWING:
TO AIDE, SUPPORT, RELIEVE SICKNESS AND DISTRESS AND TO ADVANCE THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN SUFFERING WITH TUMOURS, LEUKAEMIA OR CANCER (AND
RELATED CONDITIONS) BY ANY LAWFUL MEANS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:
A) SUPPORTING THE FAMILIES AND THE CHILDREN WHO ARE SUFFERING WITH TUMOURS, LEUKAEMIA OR CANCER (AND RELATED CONDITIONS) BY FINANCIALLY
ASSISTING TRIPS TO THE USA FOR TREATMENTS WITH PROTON THERAPY;
B) SPONSORING AND ARRANGING FAMILY VACATIONS FOR THOSE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO ARE SUFFERING WITH TUMOURS, LEUKAEMIA OR CANCER
(AND RELATED CONDITIONS) INCLUDING TRAVEL INSURANCE, ACCOMMODATION AND FLIGHTS;
C) BY PROMOTION OF AWARENESS OF PROTON THERAPY TREATMENT INCLUDING (BUT NOT LIMITED TO) ADVICE AS TO HOW TO FUND TRIPS TO THE USA FOR THE PATIENT AND FAMILY OR CARERS.
D) TO RELIEVE SUFFERING OF PATIENTS WHO ARE BEING CARED FOR AT HOME BY GIVING GRANTS TO ASSIST IN THE PROVISION OF EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES AND SERVICES
E) TO ADVANCE THE EDUCATION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN ALL AREAS RELATING TO CANCER CARE AND OTHER LIFE THREATENING ILLNESSES AT HOME.
F) CO-OPERATION AND COLLABORATION WITH OTHER CHARITIES AND ANY OTHER BODIES IN RELATION TO THE FOREGOING OBJECTS AND PURPOSES AND THE PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SUCH OTHER CHARITABLE SOCIETIES OR BODIES AS ARE FROM TIME TO TIME IN ANY WAY CONCERNED WITH THE FURTHERANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF CANCER RESEARCH.

I can see why they would not think they can pay for legal costs. Unless they could squeeze it into promotion, but that would be pretty shaky ground imo.

So the other question would relate to the actual Justgiving page; if that was set up by an individual rather than the charity as such, which I believe to be the case, what did he say on it? Did he make any conditions when passing the money on to the charity?

 

[ZaZara]

Legally, it probably depends what was stated when soliciting donations; and what the terms of the specific charity are. The Charity Commission does crack down where charities don't stick very closely to the letter (if you google charity commission kids cancer, that brings up four or five children's cancer charities currently being investigated for doing things they shouldn't).

The Kids n Cancer trust deed (registered with the Charity Commission) can be seen here: http://apps.charitycommission.gov.u...teredCharityNumber=1138702&SubsidiaryNumber=0 and reads as follows:

THE CHARITY'S OBJECTS (OBJECTS) ARE SPECIFICALLY RESTRICTED TO THE FOLLOWING:
TO AIDE, SUPPORT, RELIEVE SICKNESS AND DISTRESS AND TO ADVANCE THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN SUFFERING WITH TUMOURS, LEUKAEMIA OR CANCER (AND
RELATED CONDITIONS) BY ANY LAWFUL MEANS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:
A) SUPPORTING THE FAMILIES AND THE CHILDREN WHO ARE SUFFERING WITH TUMOURS, LEUKAEMIA OR CANCER (AND RELATED CONDITIONS) BY FINANCIALLY
ASSISTING TRIPS TO THE USA FOR TREATMENTS WITH PROTON THERAPY;
B) SPONSORING AND ARRANGING FAMILY VACATIONS FOR THOSE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO ARE SUFFERING WITH TUMOURS, LEUKAEMIA OR CANCER
(AND RELATED CONDITIONS) INCLUDING TRAVEL INSURANCE, ACCOMMODATION AND FLIGHTS;
C) BY PROMOTION OF AWARENESS OF PROTON THERAPY TREATMENT INCLUDING (BUT NOT LIMITED TO) ADVICE AS TO HOW TO FUND TRIPS TO THE USA FOR THE PATIENT AND FAMILY OR CARERS.
D) TO RELIEVE SUFFERING OF PATIENTS WHO ARE BEING CARED FOR AT HOME BY GIVING GRANTS TO ASSIST IN THE PROVISION OF EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES AND SERVICES
E) TO ADVANCE THE EDUCATION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN ALL AREAS RELATING TO CANCER CARE AND OTHER LIFE THREATENING ILLNESSES AT HOME.
F) CO-OPERATION AND COLLABORATION WITH OTHER CHARITIES AND ANY OTHER BODIES IN RELATION TO THE FOREGOING OBJECTS AND PURPOSES AND THE PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SUCH OTHER CHARITABLE SOCIETIES OR BODIES AS ARE FROM TIME TO TIME IN ANY WAY CONCERNED WITH THE FURTHERANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF CANCER RESEARCH.

I can see why they would not think they can pay for legal costs. Unless they could squeeze it into promotion, but that would be pretty shaky ground imo.

So the other question would relate to the actual Justgiving page; if that was set up by an individual rather than the charity as such, which I believe to be the case, what did he say on it? Did he make any conditions when passing the money on to the charity?

BBM

Thank you for this!
The way I read it, BY ANY LAWFUL MEANS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING would give them an opening to assist Ashya and his parents.
The legal battle turned out to be essential for Ashya's proton therapy and IMHO this falls within aide, support, relieve sickness and distress

I hope they figure it out.
It would be odd for so many who have made a donation for Ashya to see their money go to other causes, however worthy, if the family is still stuck with high bills for costs they were obliged to make.

According to Kids 'n Cancer, the JustGiving page was set up by Sanjay Gunatra who specified that now the treatment has been paid for, the donations will go towards helping other sick children and their families.
The page at Just Giving no longer exist, but what I recall is that this was a general term used in the text, about what to do if more money comes in than is needed. It certainly never was specified that ALL of the money would go to other causes! or that it was possible that no money at all would be used to help Ashya!


DERBYSHIRE CHARITY IN ASHYA KING £50k DONATION PROBE

Derbyshire Times reports
http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/ne...243?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed


Speaking to the Derbyshire Times this week, Mike Hyman, chief executive of Kids ‘n’ Cancer, insisted the charity was prepared to give the Kings the £50,000 in donations for Ashya’s proton beam therapy.

He said: “We didn’t know the NHS was going to step in and we can’t legally help pay their legal fees – we’re a charity. Deep down I do believe they’re greedy but I’ve never said that to them. I also think they’re crazy to have allowed Naveed to run a social media campaign. I feel incredibly sad about the whole situation.”

(...)

The Charity Commission has confirmed it will be asking questions of Kids ‘n’ Cancer about how the £50,000 will be used. A spokesman said: “We are aware of media reports concerning funds raised by Kids ‘n’ Cancer for the treatment of Ashya King.


BBM

Spoken like a true professional!

 

[ZaZara]

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/sh...re-Feeding-Tube-Stops&p=10922396#post10922396

UK CANCER CHARITY TO FUND ASHYA KING'S TREATMENT

http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-09-03/uk-cancer-charity-to-fund-ashya-kings-treatment/



A cancer charity in Derby said the King family have accepted their offer to pay the full cost of the proton beam treatment for five-year-old Ashya.

Kidsncancer chief executive Mike Hyman told ITV News they have been inundated with donations from the public following the arrest of Brett and Naghmeh King. He said:

It will take at least a £100,000, and probably a £150,000 to pay for the treatment as well as the cost of accomodation for the months of the treatment for the family. It is our wish that they come back from wherever they go they are not in debt, and can return to their normal life.

The situation they have been through is absolutely appalling. To be imprisoned like criminals, 300 miles away from their sick child is disgraceful and disgusting.

I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the public, who obviously feel like we do that this family deserve support at this desperate time.


BBM

I knew I had read a statement of Mike Hyman before! This one dates from September 4.

It is our wish that they come back from wherever they go they are not in debt, and can return to their normal life


Dear Mr Hyman, if the legal terms of your charity do not allow you to make this happen, how come you said this at all?
Because when I read that, I truly believed that my donation would help achieve this.


Huh?!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

 

[Ellmau]

To be fair, he never actually mentioned legal fees - he talked about the medical costs, and living expenses while the family was staying with Ashya, which is what they normally seem to provide. Possibly he never even thought about the legal bits. It isn't an enormous charity and the chief exec may not be as well informed as one would hope; I definitely don't think it's appropriate to comment on the family to the press in the way he has done. Regardless, I'm glad the Charity Commission involved - either they will give the go ahead or they will say it's not permitted, and either way everyone will know where they stand. I do think paying legal costs sets a precedent which might not be regarded as ideal, even if one may sympathise with the family's actions to some degree.

Looking at the charity accounts, it looks as if some funds are ringfenced for specific children, including for future recurrences of their cancer. I'm surprised that hasn't been suggested in this case.

 

[Little Jedi]

Deep down I do believe they’re greedy but I’ve never said that to them. I also think they’re crazy to have allowed Naveed to run a social media campaign.

Spoken like a true professional!

Oh WOW !
^ That has really p$$$ed me off ^

I personally didn't read any small print, I believed it was to help THIS family. If that be paying legal bills they've ended up with so be it.

The fact is they have these bills & whose fault is that ??

~ Yeah it would be great if more kids could be helped ~

 

[ZaZara]

ASHYA KING PARENTS STILL FEAR UK AUTHORITIES



SKY NEWS EXCLUSIVE REPORT & INTERVIEW WITH PARENTS
http://news.sky.com/story/1359233/ashya-king-parents-still-fear-uk-authorities

The five-year-old's father told Sky: "At the moment we don't feel 100% safe, I suppose you would call it, contemplating being in England until perhaps they do this investigation into how everything was conducted for us.

"Once that has been established then we can think about going back to England.

"But for the time being we have been in contact with a doctor in Spain so we are continuing with treatment in Spain instead of England."

Asked why they were reluctant to return to Britain, Mr King said: "Because there is so much still at stake.

"We wouldn't want to lose Ashya. It would probably never happen but just having that small risk that you don't have to do anything wrong to have your children taken away and (be) thrown in prison..."

BBM



More info and 4 videos at link.

Parents are delighted about the progress that Ashya is making.

 

[ZaZara]

FAMILY VIDEO BY NAVEED KING


[video=youtu;URAcS_KiMwA]http://youtu.be/URAcS_KiMwA[/video]