Gaby is a Thomas Clarkson Academy student in my year group, year 9 who was diagnosed with Childhood Cancer in November 2021. A small bump appeared on Gaby's cheek. The bump continued to grow at a very fast rate and it soon filled her whole cheek. After weeks of Doctor's appointments and medical tests she was given the unfortunate news that the bump was a tumour which was Cancerous. Gaby was told that she needed to start Chemotherapy immediately. Days after the diagnosis Gaby returned to school full of positivity, as always. She was informed that she would lose all of her hair so being the selfless young lady that she is she had her hair cut off and donated it to a charity that makes wigs for Cancer patients. Gaby has had a few rounds of Chemo so far and this often makes her feel extremely unwell suffering from high fevers and sickness which has left her unable to eat. This has meant that Gaby has had to spend a considerable amount of time at Addenbrookes hospital. Gaby's mum, Olga who is an absolute pillar of strength has had to stop work to help care for Gaby around the clock. Gaby has recently had successful surgery to remove the tumour from her cheek. She was in surgery for nearly 14 hours and so far her recovery from this has been positive. Gaby will continue undergoing Chemotherapy and she will also start Radiotherapy.

Gaby is a selfless young lady and that has been even more evident during this turbulent time. All she wants to do is come back to school and live her life to the full. She commented that she has particularly been missing playing on the sports teams that she is part of. She is a keen netball and football player. Gaby is always putting others before her. She recently submitted her Options choices that are due to start in September and whilst making her choices she opted for subjects that would enable her to become a mentor/counsellor in the future for young people going through things similar to her. Whilst Gaby has been receiving treatment she has spent a lot of time on the Children's ward at Addenbrooke's hospital and she commented to me that 'she just wants to help the small children who have to go through such an awful experience at a very young age'. Gaby has never felt sorry for herself in fact she has risen to this like a true warrior. Gaby continues to inspire us all and she can be proud of the way she is battling against this awful disease. We can all learn from Gaby's experiences and I hope that you will join me and Gaby's closest friends Maddie, Teni and Tiana on this fundraising campaign to ease a little bit of pressure on the family financially.

Keep going Gaby- we are all behind you and can't wait to have you back at school with us!