The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
School rallies to help Mercy fight her brave battle
MONEY IS RAISED TO PAY FOR GIRL’S MEDICINE
TEACHERS and staff at a North Tyneside school have enjoyed a half marathon walk in aid of courageous pupil Mercy Cuthbertson.
The brave six-year-old was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour last year and her family is fundraising for a pioneering treatment called ONC201 that they hope will stabilise it.
On Saturday dozens of staff members from Holystone Primary School showed their support for the appeal known as ‘Mercy’s Mighty Fight’ by walking a 13-mile route from the school to Tynemouth.
The charitable staff, who have called themselves the “Holystone Hikers,” raised £3,250 even before setting off. This will go towards the cost of Mercy’s medication, which is not currently available on the NHS for her condition.
While they walked, further donations came in – including from the team at the Harbour View fish and chip shop in Seaton Sluice. Speaking midway through the walk, assistant head teacher Helen Watson told The Chronicle:
“It’s been lovely, we have had the banner out throughout the walk, people have been stopping to ask us about what we’re doing and about Mercy.
“We must be quite the sight! There are 40 or 50 of us here. It’s been wonderful.”
Ahead of the walk, Helen had said: “Mercy was in my class reception last year when she began to experience some of the symptoms of the brain tumour. So when we heard about her diagnosis the staff decided to get together and think of ways we could support the family and raise some money.”
Mercy was diagnosed after experiencing balance issues, headaches and unusual eye movement.
The little fighter has since undergone three brain surgeries, 28 radiotherapy sessions and intense physiotherapy.
Parents Lorraine and Paul Cuthbertson, who are both Northumbria Police officers, said that their daughter has now started the treatment at home but they are still fundraising to cover its cost. A Just Giving Page set up by family friend Liz Biggins has so far raised around £100,270.
Dad Paul, 52, said: “Holystone Primary does feel like a real community school. Mercy has been there for a few years now and it is overwhelming what they have done. They have really taken us into their hearts and it means everything to us and to Mercy.”
On the morning, he added: “It’s a real community school and I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done so far. They’ve had loads of different fundraising events – as has everyone in the North East.
“We have been so touched by the kindness and generosity of all the people in the North East, around the country and even abroad.
“We’ve even had messages from America and all over the world trying to support her to get some medicine, get on clinical trials and try to extend her life.”