An inspirational Blantyre schoolgirl who is undergoing cancer treatment is among the first in Scotland to take part in a new clinical trial, and has received a star award in recognition of her courage.
Five-year-old Fearne Stewart is now in remission after being diagnosed with leukaemia in April 2023 and will continue having chemotherapy for another nine months.
She has started school this term, watched by proud parents Gary and Paula and little brother Joseph – and was guest of honour this week as she cut the ribbon to open a new Cancer Research fundraising superstore in Glasgow.
Fearne was just four when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer of the white blood cells, after being rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow in a blue-light ambulance from University Hospital Wishaw.
She had suffered several weeks of symptoms including bruises, exhaustion and pains in her legs which made her struggle to walk, as well as experiencing night sweats, a sore stomach, weight loss, pale skin and repeated infections over a short time.
Her parents were prompted to get medical advice after reading an article on the Cancer Research UK website about symptoms of cancer in children; with Fearne then also developing a purple rash on her skin on the day of her hospital referral, with tests showing that she was seriously unwell as her blood platelet levels were low.
Since then she has undergone chemotherapy, including spending six weeks in hospital at the start of her treatment; and is scheduled to complete the treatment in June.
Dad Gary, 36, said: “We told her that she had a bug in her blood and that the doctors were going to make her better. Fearne had beautiful long hair when she was diagnosed and we had to explain to her that chemotherapy meant she would lose her hair – we thought she would be very upset but actually she adapted well.
“When she felt well enough, she was first in the playroom at hospital and we decided early on that if Fearne was fine, then we had to be too. Our son Joseph was still a baby so Paula and I had to take turns sleeping at Fearne’s bedside in hospital while the other parent looked after him.
“There were a few wobbles of confidence but Fearne took on everything that was thrown at her and mostly with a smile. We’re so proud of Fearne, of the resilience our daughter has shown and of her determination during some of the most difficult times in hospital.”
Fearne was one of the first children in Scotland to become part of the AllTogether-1 clinical trial, an international study funded by Cancer Research UK investigating how to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia more effectively with the overall aim of giving each child or young adult the right amount of treatment both to cure their leukaemia and stop it recurring.
She was also honoured by being asked to open the charity’s huge new shopping premises at Crown Street retail park, cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony alongside research scientist Professor Victoria Cowling of the Cancer Research UK Scotland institute.
Described as “a superstore dedicated to saving lives”, the new outlet is five times the size of Cancer Research UK’s regular shops; it is their sixth superstore across Scotland and is now open seven days selling furniture, electrical items, clothing, soft furnishings and gifts with profits going to fund research.
Charity representatives are seeking donations and volunteers for the store, and Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “We are incredibly grateful to Fearne and her family – we hope her story of courage encourages people to support our new superstore so that we can continue to fund the very best scientists in Scotland and across the UK.”
Fearne – who recently received the children and young people star award from Cancer Research UK in recognition of the courage she has shown – was joined by Gary, Paula and Joseph to cut the ribbon at the official opening, with the occasion being described as “a special day after a tough year”.
Gary said: “Despite everything Fearne has been through, she’s been keen to help others.
“She was already thinking of selling homemade lemonade to raise money so she loves the thought of being able to donate some of her toys and books to the superstore and to do some shopping herself, and as a family we’re glad to have the opportunity to give something back.”
He added: “She’s a chatterbox, enjoying Primary One at school, has joined Rainbows and started swimming lessons. She’s come so far in a year.”
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