on the 13th June 2024 our inspirational Headteacher, Karen Tomlinson, Business Manager Jaqui Holborn and Teaching Assistsnt Andrea Sadler, are going to be jumping from 15,000ft in a sponsored skydive for the family of one of our pupils. This is the highest skydive in the UK at nearly 3 miles up in the air.

Our aim is to raise as much money as we can to support Lincoln and his family at this difficult, heart breaking and life changing time.

We would like to express a huge thank you to our friends at Costain Group who have kindly sponsored all 3 jumps.

Here is Lincoln‘s story………….

On February 19th 2019, Lincoln recieved a diagnosis of stage 4 MYCN neuroblastoma, an uncommon and highly aggressive childhood cancer. Beyond the tumor the cancer had also metastasised to his bone marrow, with notable hot spots detected on his femur, pelvis and skull vault. At the tender age of 5, Lincoln faced this daunting challenge, with a three year old sister by his side. This diagnosis shattered his family, plunging them into a nightmare that forever altered their lives.

“We were diagnosed on the Friday after Lincoln had been unwell for some time and one morning he wasn’t himself and he was sick, had a nose bleed and couldn’t get up of the floor so I rang for an ambulance and it was the Paramedics who found a lump in Lincoln’s abdomen. It was confirmed to be a tumor later that day.”

Lincoln‘s long journey started with lots of tests, scans and blood work, and he was quickly sent to theatre for a central line to be fitted; a week later treatment began.

Lincoln underwent a gruelling 18 months, enduring; 70 days chemo Rapid COJEC, resection of the abdominal tumor, high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant, radiotherapy for 2 weeks, second stem cell transplant and immunotherapy.

Treatment finally ended on the 1st May 2020, and while necessary it was absolutely heartbreaking. Lincoln was just 5 and the affects he endured were awful but he made a name for himself! Smiler.

Fast forward nearly 4 years and Lincoln is thriving. He had returned to school, was participating in swimming lessons, and had a family holiday booked.

On the 22nd November 2023 the family went to their routine scan.

To hear the words, “I’m sorry but there is something concerning on the scan.” It’s back ….

On the scan a tumor was discovered in Lincoln’s abdomen and it was confirmed to be MYCN Neuroblastoma but this time ALK positive. Further tests also revelaed 2 shadows on Lincoln’s liver, which have also been identified as cancerous growths.

At the age of 10, Lincoln once again dons his armour and prepares for battle, with his 6 year old sister by his side. With increased maturity Lincoln now comprehends more of the emotions and discussions during his one on one consultations with his consultant.

Currently, Lincoln is undergoing a regimen of 12 rounds of chemotherapy. As well as taking a daily oral chemo. During the chemotherapy week, he endures 11 sessions, feeling quite unwell, yet his radiant smile remains unwavering.

“Lincoln is my inspiration! He is incredible and I know that I wouldn’t be a normal mother if I didn’t say this but he truly is. This 10 year old little boy is still finding the time and energy deep within to take himself off to school running on medication and linked up to a water pump but still remains so focused and enjoys his days with his friends! He is so brave and take takes it all in his stride. You are my hero Lincoln and my forever best friend.“

Several people have been in touch to ask what the beads on Lincoln’s picture represent.

What are Beads of Courage?

At every stage of cancer treatment, children receive a new Bead of Courage. The beads join together to form (often long) physical representations of their recovery, keeping a record of every hospital trip and treatment on their courageous journey.

Different coloured beads represent challenges that children faced: Black beads are given for every poke. Yellow beads represent hospital stays. Act of Courage artist-made glass beads honor courage displayed during a milestone treatment. The Purple Heart bead is presented at the completion of treatment.

At the age of just 10, just look at the amount Lincoln already has. He’s already started a new string for this cycle. This boy is a warrior.