In October 2022, we had planned a really chilled half term holidays with a trip to see family and friends in Cornwall. Arabella had been generally unwell for about 3 weeks and had a nasty cough, but we’d all had a cold so I honestly didn’t think much of it. Family in Cornwall all noted she’d lost weight but as she’d recently had a growth spurt I found myself really discounting their concerns. However during play, Arabella was becoming breathless but again we felt that as she had asthma this could explain the symptoms, but to reassure ourselves we visited the GP. This was the start of her diagnosis, the GP was concerned by her breathing so recommended going to A&E, Liam, her dad, took her to A&E where she had a chest xray and full examination. I then received the worst phone call of my life, Liam phoned to say they think she has cancer…
The charity’s support eased our financial burden and provided comfort during such a challenging time.
Hannah
, Arabella's Mum
Treatment
Arabella was transferred to Piam Brown, the paediatric oncology ward, that very day. Things quickly worsened. The following days were a series of tests and operations resulting in being moved to Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
After ten tense nights in PICU, Arabella was well enough to move back to Piam Brown. It took over 10 weeks to get Arabella’s formal diagnosis of Stage 4 extra renal Wilms Tumour. She had an operation in January 2023 to remove one tumour, after that we were told she would need radiotherapy in London. We both grew up in Cornwall so the prospect of London with a seriously ill child was scary. Arabella required 24 cycles of chemotherapy, with numerous emergency hospital admissions for fever spikes.
Arabella's Wishes
Arabella is now doing well. She rang the bell in April 2024, marking the end of her treatment, and used her Abby’s Heroes End-of-Treatment money to buy a Nintendo Switch. Reflecting on the support Abby’s Heroes offered us as a family there is no doubt, the past 18 months would have been unimaginably harder, both financially and emotionally with out their care.
From simple things like Welfare Packs and weekly food deliveries through to the grants we received for help with the cost of being in London for 2 weeks, really supported our family through this period. On the ward, the Family Support Workers from Abby’s Heroes became our lifeline. Their visits were a respite from bad news; they listened to my worries, offered support, and cheered up both Arabella and me. With no family nearby and friends unable to visit, they became our support network. Arabella struggled emotionally with the frequent hospital stays, especially since she didn’t always appear unwell and missed her friends at school. Abby’s Heroes funded Play Therapy for her, which helped her process the significant changes in her life without my emotional influence.
Our mission became to repay the support we received and ensure other families have the same help. Arabella has been actively involved in fundraising, volunteering at events like the Watercress Festival and participating in the Inflatable 5k run. Liam completed challenges like walking up Snowdon, skydiving, and abseiling. I ran the Great South Run and the Inflatable 5k. My colleagues also contributed, doing a chilly swim and a walk from Portugal to Spain. Fundraising has given us a sense of purpose and reminded us of the importance of kindness and helping others. So far I am very proud to say we have raised £12526.77. We are incredibly grateful for everything Abby’s Heroes have provided and hope they continue their invaluable work for many years to come.