Mason Ryall: Albury-Wodonga raises $20,000 for four-year-old stricken with cancer

The greater Albury-Wodonga community has raised more than $20,000 for a boy diagnosed with cancer just days after his fourth birthday. 

The communities of northeast Victoria and southern NSW have banded together to raise over $20,000 for a little boy diagnosed with cancer just days after his fourth birthday.

Mason Ryall of Howlong, near Albury-Wodonga, was given the heartbreaking news he has cancer in June.

Since then a GoFundMe page set up by friends has raised $19,000, while a community donation drive by Howlong neighbour Margaret Crump has generated a further $2,650.

Mason was flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne earlier this year, where doctors told his family he had a tumour in his kidney.

Both were removed however this month doctors discovered the cancer had progressed to stage two.

“It was all very much unexpected, out of nowhere,” his mum Lauren said.

“He was complaining about a sore stomach, so we pushed and got the doctor to diagnose it and we found out he had cancer.

“It’s been very stressful. You think you have a happy, healthy child, and then we got a flight to the Royal Children’s Hospital the next day.”

Mason, 4, and his brother Lincoln, 3, hold their baby sister Hazel. Photo: Supplied.

Mason has been in and out of treatment since June, and will undergo another treatment in February. Photo: Supplied.

Living in Howlong, in NSW near the Victorian border, his family is hoping restrictions do not return so he can continue to get treatment in Melbourne.

Mason, who has a little brother and sister — Lincoln, 3, and Hazel, a two-month-old — will have his final treatment in February after which doctors will reassess.

His mum Lauren said the community’s support had been incredible.

Margaret Crump from Howlong is one of many who has been rallying behind Mason. Each year she fundraises for a local sporting group but this year decided to give to Mason’s cause.

“We usually donate to the local cricket club, little athletic club or other organisations that need a hand in town, it’s just our way of contributing,” Margaret said.

“We didn’t know the family but we felt we could help. I’ve now met them and we are so happy we are doing this for them.

“Mason is such a sweet little boy.”

Margaret has a box open for donations at her house at 108 Bank Street in Howlong, which is also decorated with Christmas lights.

A GoFundMe in his honour has also raised almost $20,000.

“We never expected anything like this,” Lauren said.

“He was happy and health and you never expect it to happen to your child, but we’ve been able to make it through with the support of our community and family.”