Family backs charity fundraising campaign as Houghton youngster battles tumour

The family of a young girl battling cancer has called on people to put the fun in fundraiser by backing a charity drive.
Seven-year-old Freya Pennington with Bob and Margaret Harvey.Seven-year-old Freya Pennington with Bob and Margaret Harvey.
Seven-year-old Freya Pennington with Bob and Margaret Harvey.

When little Freya Pennington was diagnosed with a tumour behind her eye her loved ones’ world came crashing down around them.

Despite trying to stay positive, they say the diagnosis conjured up negative thoughts.

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But with the help of children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent, they were given the information they needed to support Freya as she embarked on the battle of her life.

Now the youngster is on the mend, the family are calling on as many people as possible to get behind the charity’s Wig Wednesday fundraising campaign tomorrow.

Her guardian Bob Harvey, from Woodburn Drive, Houghton, said: “When you hear those words that your child has cancer, your whole world comes crashing down.

“But CLIC Sargent are there and they go through everything with you. They explain how poorly your child will become, the treatment and what to expect.

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“They put you in touch with any services you might need, transport and benefits and if you’re working they even help to write a letter to your boss explaining what is going on and what to expect.

“I personally would have struggled if it wasn’t for CLIC Sargent. It doesn’t matter how positive you try and remain, when you hear the word cancer you can’t help but to have negative thoughts. But they do try and help you stay positive.

“It’s not a nice situation to be in.”

Mr Harvey added: “Freya is improving and is doing really well. She still struggles to walk to school as she has other problems. But overall she is doing okay.

“I just don’t know where we would be without CLIC Sargent which is why we are asking people to get involved in the campaign.”

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Pupils at Burnside Primary School in Houghton-le-Spring, where Freya attends, are once again taking part in Wig Wednesday.

The fundraising campaign encourages people to wear a wig for a day and donate to the charity.

Over the years the school has raised over £2,500 from Wig Wednesday and various other fundraising activities.

Dee Tyler, CLIC Sargent Area Fundraising Manager, said: “We are delighted that Burnside Primary School has decided to get involved in Wig Wednesday. It would be wonderful to see other local schools joining in the fun as well. Wig Wednesday is all about showing support for children and young people who lose their hair during treatment, which can be an especially upsetting for many. It’s a fun and simple way to raise money, and every penny raised will help CLIC Sargent provide vital emotional, practical and financial support to children and young people with cancer and their families.”