Angels step in to help families through trauma

3:38pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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It is a traumatic time for parents when their child has cancer diagnosed but the charity Clic Sargent is there to provide vital help and support.

Health reporter Siobhan Ryan speaks to a family that has more reason than most to be glad the charity has been around.

At first glance Sam Harwood seems to be an ordinary four-year-old. He enjoys playing with his cars and trains and on a Wii console and is looking forward to starting school in September.

However, the youngster has spent most of the last eight months being treated for neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer affecting the nerve cells.

Sam has had two bouts of chemotherapy and is now having a respite before starting on a course of radiotherapy.

His mother Beverley, 38, says he has responded well to treatment so far but there is still some way to go. She and her husband Peter, 42, who works for the Department for Work and Pensions, have had a difficult time over the past few months but have been overwhelmed by the support and help they have received. The problems began for Sam in September when he became unsteady on his feet and could not co-ordinate himself properly.

A brain scan at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton did not show up any complications but in January he developed pains in his leg and had problems walking again.

He had a chest X-ray which showed he had a large tumour on his lungs and was sent straight to St George’s Hospital in South London for further tests.

It was at this point the hospital diagnosed neuroblastoma and the family were referred to the specialist Royal Marsden Hospital.

Beverley, of St Richard’s Road, Portslade, said: “He was really very ill and had to spend time in intensive care at one point but the staff were wonderful.

“The Clic Sargent social worker there was amazing.

She was talking to us right from the start.

“The charity sorted out grants for train fares and were there the whole time. They helped to make an exceptionally difficult time so much more easier to deal with.”

Back in Brighton, the family were also helped by Clic Sargent specialist paediatric nurse Brother Francis and social worker Jo Nash.

Clic Sargent has specialist nurses, doctors and play specialists and provides information on benefits and welfare support.

It can also help with advising a child’s school on the implications of having a pupil with cancer and will try and find a solution to any problem a family may face.

Peter said: “Brother Francis was so supportive and so helpful while he was here. He was coming round to our house on an almost daily basis to help with Sam.

“Jo also visits us regularly and keeps in constant contact.

Sam is doing really well at the moment and they are pleased with his progress but there is still a lot of treatment ahead of him.

“Having their support has helped us all so much.”

Brother Francis was based at the Royal Alex for many years before he moved to Scotland in June.

He was named Angel of the Year at the Argus Achievement Awards this year after being nominated by Karina Gilham-Hills for his support when her nine-year-old son died from a brain tumour.

The Harwood family is now saying thank you to Clic Sargent by helping to arrange a sponsored football match and auction at Portslade Leisure Centre on August 23 at 3pm.

Teams from the Stanley Arms in Wolseley Road, Portslade, and The Romans in Manor Hall Road, Southwick, will be competing against each other.

Steve Bennett, landlord of the Stanley Arms, and Chris Pobjoy from The Romans are hoping to make the match an annual charity event.

Steve said: “Peter is one of my regulars and when we heard about Sam we decided we would do this one for a children’s cancer charity.”

The Stanley Arms is also staging a karaoke and raffle night on Saturday for Clic Sargent.

Peter is hoping to encourage some former Brighton and Hove Albion players to come along and give their support.

The family is also looking for items of memorabilia from any celebrities or stars to help boost funds. Anyone able to help can contact Chris Pobjoy at The Romans.

The Harwoods are one of dozens of families in Sussex that the charity has helped over the years.

Theo Murray, six, from Brighton, was successfully treated for a cancer behind the eye and his mother Catherine is organising a sponsored walk at Stanmer Park in Brighton on September 20.

Theo will be starting the walk with East- Enders actress Patsy Palmer, who lives in Brighton and supports the charity’s work.

For more details about the charity, visit www.clicsargent.org.uk.