Community rallies around Wigan teenager after rare cancer diagnosis

A community has rallied around a Wigan teenager who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last month.
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13-year-old Maddison discovered she had Stage Two Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in early January, a diagnosis which left family and friends heartbroken. The disease is rare, and accounts for less than one per cent of all cancer cases across the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.

It was shortly before last Christmas when the Norley Hall teenager noticed a lump on her collar bone.

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She had no other symptoms and was otherwise feeling perfectly well. She was taken to hospital after going for a check-up with a doctor, and a biopsy was performed, which delivered a positive diagnosis.

Maddison has remained fiercely positive throughout her treatmentMaddison has remained fiercely positive throughout her treatment
Maddison has remained fiercely positive throughout her treatment

Maddison has so far gone through two blocks of chemotherapy, as well as a procedure to place a port and catheter in her chest to make it easier for the treatment to be administered. Her family are hopeful that, by the end of the month, she will be on the road to recovery.

Maddison has remained “positive and strong” since receiving the life-changing news, but her loved ones have been hard at work to make sure she never loses that spark over the coming months, by launching a fund-raiser to support her and provide a wig to keep her self-confidence high.

And the campaign, which had an initial target of £700, has already raised more than £3,600 thanks to the generosity of kind-hearted Wiganers.

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Local businesses have also offered their help by raffling prizes like health and beauty hampers to boost the fund-raising total.

Maddison (centre) with mum Wendy (left) and sister JodieMaddison (centre) with mum Wendy (left) and sister Jodie
Maddison (centre) with mum Wendy (left) and sister Jodie

Maddison’s older sister Jodie said: “Due to the nature of the illness, Maddison has already undergone surgery and many rounds of chemotherapy, but remains positive and strong as she is a fighter.

“Maddison is a popular, active, kind hearted and out going teenager who has a massive love for animals.

“Like any other 13-year-old, she loves to take selfies and has a lot of confidence in herself. With this being said, as her big sister I would hate to see her lose that confidence due to the chemotherapy and losing her hair.

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“We as a family have decided to raise money to get her a gorgeous wig to help her push through her treatment as well as her having something she can look forward to during these difficult times.

“To help raise money me, my mum Wendy, and a family member, Gemma Sweeney, are going to do a sponsored walk to the top of Mount Snowdon in Wales when lockdown is over, and it is safe to do so.

“Other fund-raising things will be done alongside this with help from many friends and family. Any help or donations little or large will be appreciated massively.”

Jodie added: “My sister has always had gorgeous long hair, and it would be a dream for her to get the perfect wig that she deserves!”

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To find out more, and to donate to the fund-raiser by clicking here.

Well-wishers can also keep track of Maddison’s progress by visiting Facebook and searching for the Maddison’s Mission group.

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