A GROUP of Cullingworth villagers have recently got together to support a local family whose daughter has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
The Carroll family received the news in September that their eight-year-old daughter, Ellerie, had a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG).
This type of brain tumour is inoperable and is diagnosed in approximately 30 children in the UK every year.
Ellerie’s mum, Freya Carroll, explained what led to the diagnosis: “We had taken Ellerie to our GP as we were concerned about a change in her walk and balance while on holiday.
"Following scans and a biopsy, we were given the news that she had a malignant brain tumour known as DMG.”
This was devastating news for the family but as Freya explained: “Although there is currently no cure, we have hope, as Ellerie is strong and determined.
"As a family and with the support of the amazing team at St James, we are exploring all treatment options including clinical trials offered abroad.”
Following the diagnosis, the village community learnt that Ellerie may be eligible for overseas medical trials.
However, this would mean significant financial costs for the family, so they realised there was an urgent need to fundraise and set up a gofundme page, which has raised an incredible total of more than £30,000 in less than 24 hours - donations can be made by following this link.
Nicola Poole, friend of the Carrolls and fellow member of Cullingworth Cricket Club, explained: “One of the trials that Ellerie may be eligible for is based in Switzerland and the cost of the trial itself is £38,000 for the first six months.
"The family would need to pay for this as well as covering huge expenses for travel and accommodation and spending a prolonged period abroad.
"On top of this, Ellerie’s parents, Freya and Christian, are unable to work at this time due to the time commitments needed for radiotherapy and for making memories as a family.”
Ellerie is currently undergoing radiotherapy treatment to reduce the size of her tumour but is taking it all in her stride as mum, Freya, explained: “Ellerie loves going to the ‘fun hospital’ as everyone makes such a fuss of her, making sure she feels happy and in control.
"It’s wonderful to see her bombing around the Bexley Wing at St James in a go-kart, encouraging others to ‘cheer up’ and making everyone smile.”
Ellerie is proving to be a huge inspiration to everyone she meets.
Freya added: “She blows us away with her confidence and can-do attitude. She is so brave and determined and loves life and is living it to the absolute fullest!
"Ellerie continues to go to school, cubs and parties and she loves dancing in the kitchen, cricket, singing and playing with her friends. She is amazing at finding the ‘glimmers’.”
As Freya explained: “A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger. It is those moments in your day that make you feel joy, happiness, peace, or gratitude.
"We have been lucky in finding so many glimmers lately including Ellerie conducting fun science experiments at home, choreographing her own dance routine, receiving a huge cricket trophy, joining in with a Strictly dance routines with her younger brother, Albie, every Saturday night and enjoying an amazing family trip to Blackpool to see the illuminations.”
The Carroll family, their friends and loved ones have been bowled over by the support they have received and feel that, by pulling together as a community, they can ensure that Ellerie has as many opportunities as possible for finding the glimmers into the future.
Freya finished by saying: “Our family are fantastic at finding these moments and we want to shine a light on all the glimmers in Ellerie’s life, those pockets of amazingness, that we will still have every day!”
If you would like to support Ellerie and the family with access to treatment and to create more special memories, please donate via “Ellerie’s glimmers” on gofundme.com #findtheglimmers
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