Dearham girl fundraises for Newcastle RVI after childhood cancer fight

Nine-year-old Hollie Hodgson from Dearham was diagnosed with leukaemia in September 2016, and fought for almost two years with the condition before she beat it in November 2018.

Throughout that time Hollie and her family were travelling to and from Newcastle regularly and staying on Ward 4 and 14 (children's cancer wards) at the RVI in Newcastle, where Hollie was cared for.

Speaking about that time, Hollie's nana Debbie McGee said: "It was awful, just awful, obviously there was other kids at home as well.

"She was only a baby... it was just all money, money for staying at Newcastle, but the nurses they were just brilliant, absolutely brilliant."

Now, six years on from Hollie ringing the end-of-treatment bell at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle back in 2018, the family have held an event to raise money for the people who helped Hollie throughout her treatment.

An event was held at the Sailor's Return in Maryport last Saturday, November 9 with an egg dump, balloon pop, raffles and entertainment throughout the day. The big moment of the day came when Hollie had her hair chopped off after growing it for two years, in order to make wigs for The Little Princess Trust.

Debbie said: "When Kelly was in hospital with Hollie she made a lot of friends who were in with their children, and a lot of them children didn't make it, which is heart breaking.

"And Hollie wanted to grow her hair to make wigs for other children. It's something that we will never forget and we we just wanted to give something back really."

Dearham School, where Hollie is a pupil, also held a disco to raise funds for the causes.

Hollie said: "I got my hair cut because I had cancer and I had no hair so I know what it feels like, and I think it would be nice for some other little boy or girl to have it."

The family have not yet got a definite total of fundraising, but estimate they have so far made over £580.