Staff do little Mercy proud
TEACHERS and staff at a North Tyneside school enjoyed a half marathon walk in aid of courageous pupil Mercy Cuthbertson.
The 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 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 during the walk, assistant head teacher Helen Watson said: “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.”
Mercy was diagnosed after experiencing balance issues, headaches and unusual eye movement. She has since undergone three brain surgeries, 28 radiotherapy sessions and intense physiotherapy.
Parents Lorraine and Paul Cuthbertson, 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 a family friend Liz Biggins has raised over £100,000.
Paul, 52, said: “Holystone Primary does feel like a real community school. It is overwhelming what they have done. They have really taken us into their hearts and it means everything to us and to Mercy.”