After his two year-old niece was suddenly diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer in her leg, Gavin Hadden from Bishop Auckland decided to use his place in the Great North Run to raise as much funds as possible for the NECCR (North of England Children’s Cancer Charity).
The whole family were devastated when the diagnosis came completely out of the blue for their beautiful, bright and funny little girl; Thea Hope Campbell.
Thea, from Dixon Street, was diagnosed in February and started her chemotherapy in March, followed by surgery. More chemotherapy followed along with six weeks of intense radiotherapy.
Along with Thea, three other children, all from Bishop Auckland, were diagnosed with different types of children’s cancer at around the same time.
The little girl’s parents, Kate Hadden and Stuart Campbell, have spent weeks at a time with her at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary during her treatment, and expressed their belief that much more research is needed to find safer treatments and cures to help children who are diagnosed with cancer.
Thea’s parents would like to thank several businesses in the town including Argos, Asda, DAH Turf and Top Soil who have donated items for an allotment garden which was created for Thea when her mum said that she loves going outside and playing in the fresh air.
Uncle, Gavin Hadden, who has only ever run the occasional 10km race in the past, hopes to raise at least £1,000 for the NECCR, and hopefully much more.
If anyone would like to sponsor Gavin visit justgiving.com/Gavh-neccr or call his mother, Thea’s grandmother, Jill Hadden on 01388 664457 for a sponsor form.
Thea’s parents will also be holding a fundraising event when Thea’s treatment plan has ended in November/December.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
