Family Fundraiser After Teen's Cancer Treatment

A COUPLE from Bishopsteignton are raising money for a charity which helped them when their daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Francesca Walder was just 12 when she was diagnosed with the tumor in October last year following an eye test.

She was then sent to Bristol Children's Hospital for emergency treatment.

Throughout these heartbreaking months, the family have been supported by the charity Young Lives Vs Cancer.

Today dad Chris and mum Victoria launched a fundraising campaign to support the charity which helped them during Francesca's diagnosis and treatment.

Their Just Giving fundraiser has already reached over £7,000.

Chris said he and Francesca's family wanted to “give back to the charity that has supported us so much”.

He explained that Francesca, the youngest of three children, was diagnosed with a tumor last October and after successful surgery at Bristol Children's Hospital, she underwent five weeks of intensive radiotherapy at the center. Bristol Hemotology and Oncology.

As the family live in Bishopsteignton, Chris and Victoria had to stay 100 miles away in Bristol for the duration of Francesca's treatment and to support her through “such a difficult time”.

Chris said: “That’s when Young Lives vs Cancer came into play and we were able to stay in warm and very comfortable charity accommodation, just a short walk from the hospital.

“I really don’t know what we would have done without them.

“All the staff, other patients and families have been wonderful and so supportive.”

Francesca's prognosis now appears positive following two clear examinations following the end of her treatment.

Life will be difficult for Fran, Chris says, because the tumor has caused irreparable damage to her pituitary gland, leading to diabetes insipidus, and to her eyesight, leaving her visually impaired.

Chris said: “So these are small steps on what will be a long journey.”

A group of Chris's school and college friends from The King's School in Canterbury and the University of Liverpool banded together to walk at least 500 miles, as well as shave their heads and braid their hair, to help to the fundraiser which Chris says is an “amazing charity, which has really given us a lifeline at such a critical time”.

It starts on Saturday June 22.

Chris said: “The NHS often gets a bad rap so it’s really important to highlight how truly amazing and life-saving it has been.

“Fran left a class at school on a Tuesday afternoon to hit the road for a follow-up eye appointment.

“The results prompted an overnight stay with the tumor diagnosed on Wednesday, followed by blue lights to Bristol that day and surgery carried out on Thursday.”

“The care she subsequently received on the Daisy ward and in the radiology department was incredible.

“Furthermore, this has since continued in the Bramble area of ​​Exeter after we returned home.”

Friends donated, with one saying the family had shown “incredible strength and adversity” and that Francesca was a “star” and “inspiration”.