Milestone moment for Shoreham six-year-old with cancer as new school year begins

Six-year-old Raine Gibbs-Singh has not yet had a full year in school, having completed only two terms of reception before she became unwell.

Mum Cheynne Gibbs-Singh says her daughter since spent more time away from school than in it during year one but began gradually building up her time in the classroom from April.

With her move to year two in September, Raine's story has been highlighted by Momentum Children's Charity to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Cheynne said: “During her treatment, Raine attended the hospital school when she felt well enough and Young Lives vs Cancer also arranged a tutor to support her with her studies.

“Her friends have been incredibly supportive and have kept in touch with her throughout her time away, which has meant a great deal.”

Raine, the youngest of two girls, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma and Cheynne has shared the family’s experience to help raise awareness of the challenges people have to face following a childhood cancer diagnosis.

She said: “Last year, Raine began experiencing hip pain that continued for around six weeks. At first, we thought she had pulled a muscle or growing pains but it didn't get better and we eventually took Raine to A&E.

“We were initially told it was irritable hip but her symptoms continued to get worse and eventually Raine was admitted into hospital while doctors conducted various tests, but the specialists were struggling to understand what was wrong.

“Initially, they suspected arthritis, before considering other conditions. An ultrasound scan showed a tumour on the adrenal gland above her left kidney and we were told the devastating news that Raine had cancer.”

To help Raine and her older sister, Ember, nine, understand, Cheynne sat them down with a lift-the-flap body book she had bought to show them where the kidneys are.

Cheynne said: “We explained that Raine had a lump called cancer and that doctors were going to use very strong medicine to try to make her better. We knew it was important to use the correct terminology, while also being mindful that her sister Ember might hear different things about cancer at school, so we took great care to explain everything in a way that was honest but still child friendly.

“We tried to prepare the girls for some of the big changes they might see in Raine during treatment, including the effects of medication, feeling very tired, losing her hair and missing school. Both girls have shown incredible resilience and I am so proud of them.

“During Raine’s treatment, we spent lengthy periods of time at Southampton Hospital, which could take up to three hours to drive to from where we live. At one point, when Raine was having her stem cell transplant, we spent five weeks in hospital without seeing Ember at all.”

Cheynne said the support from Raine's school had been fantastic, helping both her and her classmates to cope with her time away.

She said: “I couldn’t fault how they have handled everything. When she was off, they made sure there were lots of photos of her displayed in the classroom and they included her name in group work, so she still felt part of daily school life.

“Raine’s teacher visited her in hospital and took the time to speak to the rest of the class about Raine losing her hair, so the children were prepared before seeing her again. Raine has also been able to take the class mascot to hospital appointments and journal her experiences, which her teacher then shared back with the class.

“There is still a long way to go. The effects of cancer treatment are harsh on little bodies and last long after treatment has finished. It will be worrying as she attends through the winter term as an immunocompromised child, with all the usual bugs and illnesses that go round every year.

“However, we are really looking forward to Raine spending more time with her friends at school and being able to do more normal things that six-year-olds get to do, as she builds up the amount of time she can attend over the course of year two.”

Cheynne said the support given by Momentum had made the hard journey a bit easier for the family.

She added: “Amanda, our family support worker, has been amazing. She checks in on us regularly and when we are at Worthing Hospital, she will come and find me just to give me a big hug.

“Amanda has also visited us at home and has taken the time to really get to know us as a family. Her support has meant so much to us during such a difficult time.

“We have been to Momentum’s respite cabin at Shorefield Park. When Raine became unwell, organising trips and holidays became incredibly difficult and having the cabin took away all of that pressure.”

To find out more about the work of Momentum Children’s Charity, visit www.momentumcharity.org

Sarah Woods, chief executive, said: “Starting a new school year is a milestone for any child but for families who have faced childhood cancer, it can represent an important moment as they look ahead to the future. I wish Raine the very best of luck as she starts year two in September.

“More than 1,900 families in the UK receive a childhood cancer diagnosis every year and this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we want families in Surrey, Sussex and London to know that we are here for them.

“By working closely with our hospital partners, our family support workers can provide practical and emotional help for families whenever they need us.”