The community in South East Essex is being urged to donate and support local families facing the immense challenge of childhood cancer this festive season. The call comes as a young girl who endured a gruelling year of treatment lends her voice to a vital local charity's Christmas campaign.
A Year of Courage and Treatment
Lola Tucker, an 11-year-old from Thundersley, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called spindle cell sarcoma in November 2024. This diagnosis came after months of misdiagnoses for issues including an ear infection and growing pains.
Lola bravely underwent almost a full year of intensive chemotherapy and surgery at Stanmore and University College London Hospitals (UCLH). Her treatment continued over Christmas and New Year, a period where she was the sole child remaining on her ward as others were able to go home.
Earlier this year, a critical surgery saw Lola receive a new left femur from an anonymous 'angel bone' donor. This was necessary after a 10cm tumour eroded her original bone to the point of crumbling. While she requires further surgery and regular health monitoring, Lola is now thankfully considered cancer-free.
Giving Back with Gold Geese
This month, Lola features with her 13-year-old brother Louie in the new Christmas appeal for Gold Geese, a small Leigh-on-Sea based charity. The organisation provides tailored support for families battling childhood cancer across South East Essex.
Lola's family experienced their support firsthand during their darkest times. "We felt so alone last Christmas," said her mother, Kaisha Tucker. "Lola was the only child on the ward as we couldn't pause treatment. My husband brought in a makeshift Christmas lunch, I slept on a bed next to her, and the kids opened their presents at UCLH."
The family's spirits were lifted upon returning home, finding a card and a generous John Lewis voucher from Gold Geese waiting for them. "It was lovely knowing we had been thought about, and we felt less isolated," Kaisha added.
Comprehensive Support for Families
Gold Geese offers a wide range of practical and emotional support, which proved invaluable to the Tuckers. Their help includes:
- Mental health therapy and counselling for the whole family.
- Practical aid with hospital transport and food bills.
- Respite trips and treats to create positive memories.
- Bereavement support and help adjusting to life after cancer.
Kaisha recalled a particularly difficult mid-treatment period: "Katie [the founder] arranged a trip for us all to go and stay at Port Lympne zoo in Kent. It was incredible to be back in the living world for a bit." The charity also pre-empted needs like providing a wheelchair and connected them with other local families in similar situations.
A Call for Community Donations
Katie Southgate, founder and CEO of Gold Geese, emphasised the importance of community support. "Christmas with cancer sucks, and even more so when you're a child missing out on festive fun," she said. "We tailor our support to whatever a family needs, working extra hard to spread a little magic this time of year."
The charity relies entirely on public donations to continue its work supporting dozens of local families. "Times are tight, but we're asking people who are able to help us bring some extra sparkle and joy to children fighting cancer this Christmas," Southgate appealed.
To support Gold Geese, you can text GOLDGIFT followed by your chosen amount (e.g., GOLDGIFT£5) to 70470. Alternatively, to find out more or donate online, visit the charity's website at www.goldgeese.org.
