From Glasgow to Manchester
After a routine eye exam in May 2023, 8-year-old Rebekah’s optician referred her to the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow after noticing swelling behind her eye. It was later discovered that the mass in Rebekah’s brain was a tumour, which has led to surgeries and treatment both in Glasgow and Manchester.
To give back to the hospitals who have treated Rebekah, her Dad, Bryan, has raised money by completing a 230 mile charity cycle from the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow to the Christie Hospital in Manchester.
Rebekah’s Hospital Journey
Rebekah was rushed for an MRI scan and in the same day had surgery to insert a drain to reduce the pressure behind her eye, which was picked up during her opticians appointment. Three days later, she underwent a second, more invasive neurosurgery to remove a tumour discovered in the initial MRI. It was after the removal of the mass that doctors discovered the tumour was cancerous, and Rebekah would require onward treatment in Manchester.
She spent the next two weeks recovering from these surgeries, even having to rely on a wheelchair and frame to help her walk, before being discharged and referred to Manchester for Proton Beam Radiotherapy sessions.
Rebekah had a total of 33 applications over 3 months, finishing up treatment on the 18th of August 2023. Since returning to Glasgow, Rebekah has had a further 4 MRI scans, and is seen regularly to monitor how she is doing.
“We’re so grateful and relieved that these scans have identified good progress to this point, yet we know that there is a long road ahead of us.”
bryan, rebekah's dad
Thankfully, Rebekah is doing really well, and is back in school full-time, along with taking part in gymnastics and swimming lessons!
How Rebekah has Benefitted from Your Donations
Thanks to your kind donations, services such as the Play Team are able to ensure young patients get to play and learn whilst in hospital.
“Working with the Play Team encouraged, entertained and reassured Rebekah and we are so grateful to them.”
bryan, rebekah's dad
A member of the Play Team even accompanied Rebekah and her family to the Beatsons Cancer Centre to provide reassurance and support.
A recent enhancement project, fully funded by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is the installation of a DVD player in the MRI machine within the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. The introduction of this service has made going for her recent MRI scans a less daunting experience for Rebekah. Bryan has said,
“She has been able to watch films during her MRI scans - it’s always Harry Potter! In all seriousness, the ability to watch a film is something that she benefits so much from. Often times she’ll say that she doesn’t like to go for her scans but at least she gets to watch a film! It passes the time when she’s in the scanner and it helps her to remain still, so it’s a really good thing to be able to offer the children.”
Bryan’s Big Cycle
On Friday the 19th of July, Rebekah’s Dad Bryan, along with his friend Euan, cycled over 200 miles from Glasgow to Manchester, covering the distance between the 2 hospitals where Rebekah has been treated.
It was an early start for the cyclists, but our fundraising team, and charity staff at the hospital were there to wave them off.
The duo’s fundraising target was £5,000, and so far they have smashed this, raising over £16,000! Bryan has said,
“While we have raised a great amount of money, in truth there is no amount that we could raise that would adequately express how grateful we are. The level of expertise, knowledge, care and professionalism has been exceptional, and without it, we could not conceive of where we would be.”
The journey was spilt over 2 days, with an overnight stop in Penrith. Rebekah, her sister Eilidh, and mum Dawn along with Euan’s wife Louise all drove down with the cyclists, meaning they could travel light on their bikes. The girls were also a huge support, cheering their dad on through his challenge!
“While it was a tiring couple of days, we were delighted to complete the challenge. It was very much worth every pedal stroke!"
bryan, rebekah's dad
