Published on Wednesday 11 January 2012 08:19
Courageous Katy Holmes is battling to return to her family home later this week to give her a psychological boost.
Katy, 10, who lives in Penwortham, near Preston, has an inoperable brain tumour and is currently being cared for at Derian House Children’s Hospice which her family have praised for their dedicated support.
However, Katy does not know her prognosis as her parents want to protect her and they are now working with hospice staff to try and get Katy home towards the end of this week for a change of scenery and to make her believe she is getting better.
Mum Paula, who is married to David and also has daughters Charley, eight, and four-week-old baby Scarlet, said: “Katy has had a bad night and her condition has taken a dip and she is battling a temperature.
“But that is the nature of the tumour. When it swells, her condition takes a turn for the worse.
“We are aiming to get home for a few days later this week and are working with hospice staff in order to make sure it is safe to do this.
“We will not be going home because Katy’s condition has changed, it is more to do with the psychology of making Katy continue to believe that she will get better. When Katy knows she is going home, it gives her something positive to focus on.
“She is happy when she is at home and she is happy when she is at Derian House as she sees it as somewhere where she goes to give mummy and daddy a break from the housework.
“The only time she gets worried and concerned about her condition is when she is in hospital.
“Balancing Katy’s time between home and Derian House keeps her positive and happy.”
The Evening Post has launched its Fighting For Katy campaign which has two aims - to find if there is any treatment worldwide which can help Katy - and to raise funds for Derian House where she is being cared for. Katy’s family have been inundated with messages of support and fundraising from people as well as suggestions for surgeons in different countries who may be able to help.
Her family are pinning their hopes on Australian surgeon Dr Charles Teo who operates on riskier tumours and Katy’s scans have been sent to him. Paula said: “We will not give up hope for Katy and will explore every option in whatever country. Katy asked me yesterday ‘Has my cancer gone?’ I told her it was on its way out, but then I went and cried in private. It is heartbreaking, but we have to make her keep on fighting.”
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.