Help Nicole Fight Bone Cancer – Support Her Journey.

Hi, my name is Nicole.

I am 16 years old and live in Kent.

In November 2024, I woke up one morning with aching and pain in my right knee. Over time, the pain got worse—so much so that I couldn’t bend my knee without being in extreme discomfort. After multiple visits to the GP and hospital (14 in just three months), the initial diagnosis was ligament pain or a possible meniscus tear due to growing pains.

Because no solid diagnosis explained why I was still in pain and unable to walk—especially after X-rays and an ultrasound came back inconclusive—some people, including friends, school, and even extended family, thought I might be exaggerating.

But my mum didn’t give up. She kept pushing for answers—not just for me, but to help me get back to school and continue my GCSEs.

Eventually, I was sent for an MRI. The very next day, my mum received a phone call asking us to come in for a face-to-face appointment the following Monday. I actually felt relieved—maybe they’d finally found something that explained it all.

That weekend, I kept wondering what it could be—arthritis? A joint issue? Anything but what we were told.

On Monday, we sat in the doctor’s office and heard the words we never expected: I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my right femur, (high grade chondroblastic) which is a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. My mum and I broke down in tears. Not once did we imagine that this would be the outcome.

From that moment, everything happened so fast. In the weeks following the diagnosis, we were travelling between Stanmore Hospital and UCLH (University College London Hospital), meeting with my oncologist and having multiple scans.

So instead of focusing on my GCSEs, I’ve had to focus on chemotherapy—and on fighting for my future.

I'm now 12 weeks into chemo. I stay at UCLH for one week at a time, three weeks out of each month.

I'm reaching out to ask for help—not because we want to, but because we need to. Since the arrival of my baby brother, my mum hasn’t been able to stay with me during treatment. My aunt and nan have been stepping in to support me at the hospital.

Unfortunately, money is tight. My mum is currently on maternity leave, and my nan has had to take time off work to support me. Any donations—no matter how small—will go toward travel costs to and from London, hospital stays, and other essentials during treatment.

I understand times are tough, so please only donate if you’re able to. Every bit helps—and your kindness means the world to me and my family.

Thank you so much for reading my story.

With love,

Nicole