Cumbria Girl with Brain Tumour Champions cancer Support Kits That Bring ‘Cheer’ to Young Patients
Wigton, Cumbria – Eleven-year-old Ivy walsh, undergoing chemotherapy for a brain tumour, is fundraising for Cancer Support UK’s Kids’ Cancer Kits after experiencing firsthand the comfort they provide. Ivy says she wants “other children to be cheered up as much as I was” by the kits, which contain games, fluffy socks, and a microwavable sensory soft toy.
The campaign comes as demand for the kits remains high, with more than 1,000 delivered last year. Cancer Support UK reports the kits are vital in alleviating the emotional burden of cancer treatment for children and their families, offering a tangible sign of support during a challenging time. Ivy’s story highlights the meaningful impact these kits have on young patients facing challenging circumstances, and the ongoing need for donations to meet increasing demand.
Ivy, whose toy Hazelaccompanieshertoweeklychemotherapyappointmentsexplainedthepracticalbenefitofthekits:”Chemocanmakeyoukindofcoldsothatcanbeuseful”HermotherCherryWalshemphasizedthekits’broaderimpact”Itmeansmorethanjusttheitemsintheboxbecausepeoplefeelcaredfor”shesaid”JustreceivingsomethingandknowingthatstrangershavedonatedandthatpeoplearethinkingofyouIthinkitmakesallthedifference”
Doctors have told Ivy’s family that, while her tumour is inoperable, stabilizing it could allow her to live a “relatively normal life.” Ivy recalled feeling ”very fed up and quite sad” before receiving a kit,but said it “just was very happy” when she did.
Cancer Support UK CEO Mark Guymer stated, “Children with cancer face fear, pain and disruption at a time when they should be playing, learning and being children. Each donation… helps alleviate the emotional burden for a child in treatment and their family.” individuals can support the Fill a Kit campaign through the Cancer Support UK website.
