James’ Journey – 3 Peak Challenge
Many of our patients and friends of the practice will be aware of Sonya Wynne, Laura Lawrenson and Katie Shooter. As part of the Bridge Dental team, the girl’s patient care and experience are second to none.
It will come as no surprise to anyone who has been a patient of theirs to learn that her caring attitude extends to outside of the practice as well. Because of this, we’re delighted to announce that they will all be doing the Three Peaks challenge to range money for local hero James Hattersley.
James Hattersley is a 12-year-old boy who has been battling cancer for 3 years and was first diagnosed with Ependymoma grade 2, a cancer of the brain. James had his first operation in March 2016 where they managed to remove the whole malignant tumour and then was later sent to Florida, America for ten weeks to have treatment. James received Proton Beam Therapy, a precise type of radiation, and then received 3 monthly scans for thereafter with no signs of a re occurrence. We were delighted when James began regaining his strength, playing with his friends in his final year of junior school and enjoying the childhood he deserves.
Unfortunately, in August 2017 upon one of his 3-monthly scans it was discovered that James’ tumour had reoccurred. At this stage it was too soon to start any further treatment therefore they only removed the tumour in October 2017. Throughout the whole process we have always been amazed and inspired by his courage and determination.
From that point on James has had to overcome even more obstacles. James’ tumour turned aggressive and had a further two reoccurrence, a total of 3 since his first diagnosis, one shortly after Christmas, 31st December 2017 and June 2018. This was an extremely hard time for James and his family as he underwent months under an intense course of chemotherapy and had an emergency shunt placed before attempting to remove the tumour.
May 2018 saw James attempt to have the tumour removed following chemotherapy, however they could not as James’ tumours are on his brain stem, therefore the surgery was just too difficult. By June 2018 James still proceeded to have further radiotherapy but no further surgical excisions. James has now been told there is no further treatment that can be given and is now terminal.
James is an extremely strong, heroic, inspiring young boy who has undergone so much over 3 years, all starting when he was 9. Four brain operations, 2 rounds of radiotherapy and an intense course of chemotherapy where all options have now been exhausted. James’ biggest battle is trying to still go out and enjoy the life he has at present, as being wheelchair bound access is difficult for him. Seeing a smile on his little face is the most heartfelt feeling his family could have, and we want to help any way we can.
Sonya and her friends, Laura Lawrenson, Katie Shooter, are undertaken the Three Peaks challenge, climbing the three highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland, on Friday the 21st of June. We’re incredibly proud of the work that Sonya, Laura and Katie are doing, and their determination with training has been an inspiration to all of us at the practice. We would love your support for their work and want to help any way we can to ensure that James has the quality of life and childhood he deserves.
Please click the link below to view the JustGiving page, and please donate if you can.
Thank you,
The Bridge Dental Team
Posted by Bridge Dental and Implant Clinic on 8th April 2019, under Charity,Children