A magazine has donated £1,000 towards the treatment fund for Yateley toddler Freddie Hunt after publishing a “thoughtless and hurtful” front page headline.

Freddie’s parents Abby and Dave, along with the whole community, were shocked when Real People printed a headline about their son’s serious obesity condition.

It read: "Freddie’s last Christmas: Only three and so fat he’s dying."

In February this year, the three-year-old underwent life-saving brain tumour surgery in America following an enormous community effort in Yateley and the surrounding areas to fund the operation, which was not available in the UK.

But following surgery, consultants at Frimley Park Hospital discovered Freddie had developed hypothalamic obesity – a condition caused by damage to a nerve in the brain that controls the body’s metabolism. It means Freddie’s body does not stop absorbing food when he is full.

Abby revealed the magazine’s donation in a post on the Together For Freddie Facebook page.

She told supporters: “I spoke with the editor of Real [People] magazine. She apologised again and has donated £1,000 to Freddie’s fund.

“No money will heal our hearts although they were already somewhat broke before. Money can’t buy Freddie health or guarantee a long life.

“As you know, it's our only wish in life for him to be healthy and happy, although thanks to you, we are grateful he is still alive right now.

“You guys have literally brought him a second chance in life."

Freddie Hunt with his parents Abi and David Hunt and sister Holly

Abby’s post continued: “The magazine completely rocked us and as you say, I’m strong but only by not allowing ourselves to think and see how sick he was and still is. We know he still has a tumour in there and he’s now having to learn to walk.

“Just those words on the cover of the magazine faced me with what everyone sees when they see him – that they know nothing about his illness.

“This was exactly what I wanted to put across in the story: how sometimes people judge us or Freddie and I hear people say things or stare.

“I’m comfortable in the Yateley area as you guys come over chat and treat him and us as normal people.

"The magazine has rocked us massively as we are trying to be strong for Freddie as he needs us. Thank you for caring about Freddie.”

Many supporters responded to Abby’s message. One wrote: “They were incredibly stupid to put something like that on the cover. Thoughtless and hurtful.

“We are all behind you and your family and wish you nothing but good wishes and lots of love.”

Freddie has developed hypothalamic obesity, which means his body does not stop absorbing food when full
Freddie has developed hypothalamic obesity

A spokesman for Real People said: “We are very sorry for any offence caused by our coverline about Freddie.

“It was never our intention to upset Freddie’s family and his supporters.

“We worked closely with Freddie’s parents to tell their heartbreaking story in the article in the magazine and to raise awareness of his illness."

The magazine spokesman added: “The coverline was the one aspect of this story his parents weren’t aware of before publication.

“We’ve apologised to his family and have also made a donation to Freddie’s fund as gesture of goodwill.”

Meanwhile, the community is set to turn out in force on Saturday (December 9) to celebrate Christmas and raise funds for local good causes.

Organised by Together For Freddie, Yateley’s Winter Wonderland party will take place on the Green between 12.30pm and 5pm.

Attractions will include funfair rides, craft stalls, children’s activities, choirs, a DJ and live acts.

The proceeds will go to local charities, including Together For Freddie and Our Harry’s Smile - the latter in aid of five-year-old Harry Rampton, who was born with a rare chromosomal abnormality and has complex learning difficulties, visual impairment and profound hearing loss.

Marc Whitman from Together For Freddie said: “Yes, it’s raising money, but it’s more about giving the community something to look forward to.

“Entry for the Santa Run, which kicks the day off, is just a donation if you can afford it.

“If not, don’t worry - wear whatever get up you want and run walk or crawl round the Green.”

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