Young Billingham footballers raise cash for cancer ward where schoolfriend, eight, is treated

Youngsters from a Billingham football club have raised more than £1,000 for a children’s cancer ward where their schoolmate is receiving treatment.

Eight-year-old Rebecca Henderson attends Ward Four - the Children’s Oncology Ward - at Newcastle RVI for treatment for a rare cancer.

After hearing about Rebecca’s illness from three of the young players who attend Bewley Primary School with her, Billingham Synthonia Under-9s manager Martin Bennington decided to hold a charity day for the ward.

Rebecca was diagnosed with the rare alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma after being taken to hospital with a swollen leg in February this year.

In the few short months since, Rebecca, who lives in Billingham with mum Tracy, dad Paul and little brother Jake, six, has already undergone four operations, intensive chemotherapy and six weeks of radiotherapy.

Mum Tracy said: “Rebecca is responding well to her chemotherapy and radiotherapy treament. She finished six weeks of radiotherapy on September 3. This involved travelling to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle every week day of the summer holidays with her dad Paul, myself and Jake. It was really tough on her and she’s been exhausted.

“She’s still recovering now from the after effects of the radiotherapy with broken skin and sore areas making it difficult for her to walk and to sit comfortably.

“But that’s finished now, and on Friday she should start her last session of intensive chemotherapy. Then after an MRI scan and other tests to check on progress, she should be able to start 12 months of maintenance chemotherapy.

“This shouldn’t mean overnight stays in hospital anymore, which she’s very pleased about.”

Martin organised a mini-tournament after learning of Rebecca from her school friends Richie Pooley, Ethan Woodhall and Leo Durnion, who wanted to do something to help their friend.

The tournament was held at the teams’ ground at Stockton Riverside College (SRC) Sports Centre in Billingham on Sunday, September 7, with teams from Billingham Juniors, Billingham Synthonia, SRC and Kader taking part.

Match fee donations from every participant, plus takings from a number of stalls, tombola and raffles helped raise £1,000.39, but Martin said the highlight was having brave Rebecca in attendance to give out the prizes.

“She is a fantastic little girl,” he said. “It was really good to see her.

“This was a great amount to help Rebecca and other kids of the hospital.

“I would just like to say a big thank you to all the people who donated for this wonderful charity event and for making this day really great. I was overwhelmed, I wasn’t expecting to raise so much and was amazed how many people came together.”

Rebecca’s mum Tracy said: “Rebecca had left her hospital bed that morning and was absolutely shattered. But she was determined to be there so we took her home for a little sleep then went for the last hour or so.

“When she realised the trophy was engraved with her name, she was so touched. I think she was really pleased the boys cared enough to do this for her.”