My very dear niece, Isobel (Izzy), was diagnosed with a Synovial Sarcoma in January 2020, aged 12.

Those who have met her will know that she is an extraordinary human being. She is cheerful, loving, kind, and unbelievably strong, with fantastic humour. Isobel underwent surgery to amputate her entire right leg during the height of the pandemic and lockdown in May 2020. This radical surgery, along with chemotherapy, was successful in eradicating any signs of cancer from her body. After these incredibly difficult 8 months were over, Isobel rang the bell to signal the end of her treatment at Addenbrookes Hospital and was able to go home. Whilst in remission, Isobel underwent regular scans to ensure cancer had not returned.

However, on Saturday 15th October 2022 our biggest fears became a reality. While enjoying an evening with friends, she unexpectedly suffered a stroke, which paralysed her down her left side. A CT scan revealed that the cancer was back with a crushing totality. Isobel now has multiple brain, lung and kidney tumours. She underwent brain surgery to remove the larger of the tumours and chemotherapy to try and shrink them.

Unfortunately, Isobel has a brain abscess which has delayed the continuation of her chemotherapy while she receives daily IV antibiotics for the next 4-6 weeks. Thankfully the community nursing team has been able to support Isobel in having this at home.

So, at only 15 years old, our beautiful Isobel has made an incredible decision that is a testament to the brave and inspirational young lady she is to concentrate on trying to enjoy life.

We want to honour Isobel’s wishes to lead a normal life and would love to be able to give her some experiences of a lifetime. I can't begin to describe how amazing Isobel is, but at her heart, she is just a typical teenager; she loves Criminal Minds, Marvel, Harry Potter, Disney and puppies! Please help us make at least a few of these dreams come true.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support you can give to Isobel; even reading this and sharing her story could make a difference.