An apple for a little girl

December 2013

Harte Lodge Benevolent representative Duncan Maw heard a story in his village of Sedgefield of a little girl who was going through a rough time recovering from a brain tumor and he wanted to help. He found out that an I pad would be the ideal present to help Amy with her school work. The illness has left Amy with a learning difficulty and the physiotherapist treating her said that some of the applications available on an I Pad would help improve her disability and learning skills.

Duncan contacted his Charity Steward John Thompson and the wheels were put in motion, John spoke with the WM Colin Wilson and senior Brethren of the lodge and dispensation was given to get the I pad. The aim now was to get this to Amy before Santa arrived on the 25th. The was accomplished and WM Colin Wilson, Charity Steward John Thompson along with the Secretary Les Catchpole arrived at Amy’s house on Christmas Eve to deliver the present from Santa, Amy thanked us for the present and being a true believer in Father Christmas she said she would open it on Christmas Day.

Amy’s story

Amy 11, and her family had just 24 hours to prepare for a life-saving operation at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle after medics found a Medulloblastoma brain tumour in June.

Amy’s mum Lisa and dad Frank, first noticed something was wrong when she joined Sedgefield Harriers running club last year but found that she was often tripping over. The keen dancer began to become more withdrawn and complained of severe headaches and started to lose movement in her face.

For her parents, Frank and Lisa Stockill, the news brought some relief, as up until then, Amy’s condition had baffled doctors and the family feared they would never know what was ailing their bright and lively little girl Lisa said: “With Amy, her treatment has almost been back to front. They removed the tumour then started the radiotherapy and now its chemotherapy.

“We can see small improvements. It’s been terrifying but she’s starting to recover. Her brother Shane who is 16 has been fantastic. He had to grow up overnight and we’re so proud

“Our friends, family and the community as a whole have been amazing.” Lisa said it was a relief to receive an explanation for Amy’s illness, adding: “There is finally light at the end of the tunnel.”

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