Four deserving people – including our first ever adult – were given CHECT Champion awards during a special ceremony at our members’ day on Sunday.
The winners were nominated by friends and family to recognise either the bravery they have shown during their treatment for retinoblastoma or the incredible support they have given to someone else affected by retinoblastoma.
Around 25 members – aged from eight weeks old up! – came along to enjoy a family day out at Twycross Zoo in Warwickshire. As well as spending a few hours looking around the attraction, they also had the opportunity to get to know each other and chat to CHECT staff over lunch.
Congratulations to all the worthy winners:
Heath Davenport
Heath, six, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma at the age of two and received his award in recognition of how well he has adapted to having a special eye. His mum Charlotte said: “Never once has he complained, he never gets sad or embarrassed, or gets down about his peers asking him often about his eye at school. We can’t tell you how proud we are of how resilient and brave he has been.”
Isabella Goodale
Three-year-old Isabella was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma as a baby. Luckily she responded well to treatment, although she still has regular check ups. Her mum Corina said: “Isabella is a happy little girl, full of beans and always finds ways to get into mischief. She has recently become a big sister and is doing an excellent job of it! She loves her little sister Michaella who is also undergoing treatment at the moment.”
Poppy Belle Hyland
Poppy, five, was nominated by her mum Jodine for being so brave and courageous throughout her sister Gracie’s retinoblastoma journey. Jodine said: “She has never moaned about all the appointments she has to come along to, and is always willing to hold a hand and give cuddles. Even when cleaning Gracie’s eye, Poppy is happy to help. Poppy has gone above and beyond the duties of being a sister.”
Melissa Fixter
Melissa is our first adult winner, nominated by the Feakin family for her dedication to helping little Aiden, who had retinoblastoma. Melissa worked at Aiden’s nursery and went above and beyond to make sure he was taken care of and could access the same resources as the other children. Now Aiden is at school and Melissa supported him in his first days, as well as popping round in her own time to see him.
We’ll be planning more members’ days throughout 2017 and we’ll be in touch when we’re holding one near you. In the meantime, if you’d like to find out more about these events, please visit our members’ page.