'Archie banged his leg then months later was diagnosed with bone cancer - we're so grateful for community support'
At 12-years-old, Archie Scotter should be enjoying his first year at secondary school. Instead, he is spending many of his days in hospital, facing chemotherapy, a future operation and the endless uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis.
The Filey youngster had his birthday last week, whilst under hospital care in Leeds. But his family and his local community have been rallying round to give him a special celebration when he returns home for a break in treatment next week.
Aunt Christina Makin launched an appeal for birthday cards to help cheer up her nephew during a gruelling time. The response has warmed her heart – not only have people been sending cards, they have been donating gifts and some of Archie’s favourite food and drink.
"I wanted his birthday celebration to be really special for him, just to take his mind off what he’s going through, to feel like a normal kid again for ten minutes,” she says. “Altogether so far, I’ve had over 100 parcels come.”
Archie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, in September this year, following months of pain that began when he banged his leg back in the spring.
“We didn’t think it was anything major, he’d just banged his leg,” Christina says. But things didn’t improve and his mum Sammy Pearce consulted doctors.
At first, it was thought to be fluid behind the knee, growing pains or an injury, his family say. But after a referral for physiotherapy – and the exercises not helping, Archie was sent for scans, in Scarborough and Birmingham, that revealed the cancer.
He has recently been undergoing chemotherapy in Leeds and in the new year faces an operation.
Christina says there is still uncertainty around whether the bone will be removed and replaced by metalwork, or whether “they might not be able to save the leg”. “But we have still got hope,” she says.
Archie was due to be going to Disneyland Paris with his mum and siblings this Christmas, but the plans have been put on hold due to his treatment.
Christina is instead raising funds in the hope of sending her nephew to Disney World as something to look forward to after his recovery.
“No child should ever have to fight a battle like this,” Christina says. "Archie is very much of the mindset it is what it is. He gets on and deals with it. these things would break an adult but he’s managing to keep going.”
"It’s absolutely mind-blowing how much locals in Filey have been giving in support,” she adds. “We never expected it to go this wild. I can’t even put into words how grateful and thankful we are for all the love and support. Filey’s a small town and people have been stopping in the street to give us a hug which is so nice.”
To follow Archie’s story or donate to the cause, visit Archie’s Cancer Journey on Facebook or go to linktr.ee/Archiescancerjourney