Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Even on the bad days Chessie still smiled... there’s always happiness
one point, her weight dropped to under four stone and she couldn’t even stand up by herself.
Francesca explains: “At the time, 97% of my blood was cancer so I started intensive chemo the next day. At first, it wasn’t as bad because it’s being newly introduced to your body. But as it goes on, all the effects pile up on each other and it gets very difficult for your body to deal with it. When I was told I had cancer I thought it was a death sentence. It’s such a scary word.” Francesca stayed on the Teenage Cancer Trust ward at Leeds General Infirmary and Eden was written out of the Emmerdale script for a month so she could be by her side.
She says: “I used to always try and fit on her bed – we are such a huggy family. I’d get a snuggle in whenever I could. Emmerdale were amazing. I messaged everyone and they said I could call them if I needed. People sent me gifts to give to Chessie, which was cute.”
Francesca had intensive treatment until December 2018 and the following month, started maintenance chemotherapy. She still attends once a month and takes chemo tablets every day.
Now 16, she is following in her sister’s footsteps as she takes to the screen for a film produced by Teenage Cancer Trust.
The charity is set to lose 50% of its income due to coronavirus and needs to raise £5million to keep its vital frontline services going.
The sisters are keen to raise awareness for their emergency appeal.
Eden says: “Without the Teenage Cancer Trust, I don’t think our journey would have been the way it has. You realise the power that a charity has to make your worst nightmare a little bit more bearable. And that’s something we have to support.”
And the family have even more good news on the horizon – Francesca is set to finish her maintenance treatment in September and start studying for her A-levels at college.
Francesca says: “You ring the bell at the end of treatment. I’m very excited for that. We’ll be celebrating for ages.”
Eden adds: “I didn’t think anyone in the world could be as incredible and brave and funny as my sister. She’s the most beautiful soul on the planet.”
To donate £5 to the Teenage Cancer Trust, text HELP to 70575 or visit teenagecancertrust.org/tv