Ellie’s belle of the ball
‘Christmas Day has to be a lie-in. None of us are very good in the morning’
TEENAGER Ellie Sutherland can’t remember much from last Christmas as she was so ill battling cancer – and missed out on all the festivities.
But she’s really looking forward to having fun this year and going to her school’s winter ball.
Ellie, 16, from Abernethy, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in October last year and endured a collapsed lung and a fractured spine as well as losing her long, curly red hair during four 28-day cycles of chemotherapy and 11 sessions of radiotherapy.
But in April this year she was told she was in remission and now she’s set to enjoy Christmas just like her friends.
Ellie said: “Last year I was in hospital getting my chemo or at home. I missed a lot of things with my friends but I just couldn’t do anything as I was so unwell.
“I don’t remember much from last Christmas apart from getting an iPad and sleeping most of the day. I’m looking forward to this year because I will be able to do most things I couldn’t last year.
“I have been to the panto in Edinburgh and it was strange as, usually when we head that way, it’s normally to the hospital. I am going to Edinburgh Christmas market, shopping and a night’s stay with my family.”
She was delighted she got to go to her school winter ball and beauty salon Nail Diamond in Perth gave her a free mini-makeover pamper session as a special treat before her dance.
Ellie’s mum Lynn, 46, and dad Billy, 47, together with sisters Danielle, 24, and Megan, 19, have supported her throughout.
Lynn said: “She’s been on some journey but she’s been fantastic. Last year she couldn’t do anything at Christmas – it was such a shame.
“We’ve gone to Nail Diamond for years and the girl who owns it offered her a little pamper before her ball to make it special.
“She’s so excited about Christmas and was even treated to a trip to Lapland through the When You Wish Upon A Star charity.
“A few children passed away during our time in hospital, so we have a lot to be thankful for. We’re going to make Christmas extra special this year.”