Ten-Year-Old with Brain Tumour Secures £5,400 for Ill Children

A ten-year-old girl, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, has accumulated nearly £5,400. This sum is designated for purchasing hundreds of Christmas gifts for other children who are unwell. Ivy Walsh, a resident of the Wigton area in Cumbria, received her diagnosis in July, following several months of experiencing sickness and headaches. The young patient is currently receiving treatment at Newcastle’s Great North Children’s Hospital. Despite her ongoing chemotherapy, her mother, Cherry, reported that Ivy was “still smiling.” Cherry explained that her daughter spent 17 days hospitalised and wished to assist other children in enduring their difficult experiences by acquiring toys, games, and crafts to occupy their time. Ivy herself dedicated many hours to crafting activities to help pass the extensive hours spent in hospital. She has also generated funds to procure art materials for other sick children. Her mother further stated that her daughter had also spent considerable time baking, and both the staff and students at her school in Cumbria contributed to the fundraising efforts through bake sales. Furthermore, the collected funds have been utilised to purchase washable toys for the paediatric A&E unit, the children’s day surgery ward, and a play kitchen for the children’s ophthalmology department. Ivy’s tumour is classified as “low-grade” and slow-growing, but it poses a potentially fatal risk if not stabilised, as it can lead to hydrocephalus – a condition where fluid accumulates, causing pressure on the brain. Cherry remarked: “Ivy has been doing well, all things considered – she’s still smiling.” “She was in hospital recently with a fever, which was worrying as she is vulnerable to infection because of the chemotherapy. “She has been through so much since July including three surgeries, yet the staff and activities provided have kept her feeling positive against the odds.” Cherry also conveyed that the family had encountered numerous children experiencing “extremely difficult times” and had observed the significant benefits they derived from donated toys and games. Ivy’s mother stated that the tumour was inoperable, but medical professionals had informed her that if it could be stabilised, her daughter might be able to live a “relatively normal life.” She added that the family was anticipating a Christmas party where 200 presents would be distributed to patients. For updates, BBC Cumbria can be followed on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.