Lucy beats cancer to swim again (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Lucy beats cancer to swim again

WHEN brave Lucy Page was told she had beaten the cancer that had kept her in and out of hospital for most of this year, the first thing the seven-year-old wanted to do was to go swimming again.

The second thing she and her family wanted to do was to raise some money for the ward in Southampton General Hospital, where Lucy had received treatment for the tumour in her head and where she has spent a lot of her young life.

Lucy, who has been in remission since last July, came up with answer - "Me and my friends will do a sponsored swim." So, on Saturday, Lucy, who lives in Linford Road, Sarum Ridge, on Bishopdown Farm, went to the Five Rivers leisure centre, in Salisbury, along with 37 of her school friends, and they all went swimming.

Proud mum Julie said: "They did very well and, with still some money to come in, we think they raised at least £1,300. "The money will all go to the Piam Brown oncology ward at Southampton.

"They always need things for the children and this was our way of thanking them for looking after Lucy.

"When Lucy was receiving treatment, she had to have a feeding tube, so she couldn't go swimming for a long time and she missed it."

Lucy was diagnosed with cancer last year and had to visit Piam Ward every other day for six weeks, as well as spending three days in hospital every three weeks.

Once she was given the all-clear in July, Lucy returned to Greenfields Primary School for short periods and in September began full-time attendance again.

While Lucy's half-term holiday started with the swim, it will end with a real treat.

A friend nominated her to the Make A Wish Foundation, a charity that raises money to send children on dream holidays.

Lucy's nomination was successful and today, Lucy, her mum, her dad, Stephen, plus brothers Charlie (four) and Warren (one) will leave their home for Euro Disney in Paris, for an exciting long weekend holiday.