Brave Vanessa is Scotland’s first child to undergo new treatment

Feb 12 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

SHE smiles like any other nine-year-old girl.

But beneath the laughter lies a brave fight with one of life’s rare illnesses.

For little Vanessa Riddle, the day’s most important decision is whether to use her iPod or Nintendo.

For parents Chris and Connie, it’s all about being the support network their daughter needs.

Neuroblastoma has become the focal point of their family life.

The childhood cancer, which affects only 100 kids per year in the UK, chose to strike Vanessa last year.

But she fought back and is now in remission. The next step is to lead the way in a radical new treatment.

Vanessa, of Loans, is Scotland’s first child to undergo a procedure which medics are hailing as a possible turning point in tackling the condition.

The trial, which she’ll undergo at Yorkhill Hospital over the next five months, has been used on only three kids in the UK.

It’s a revolution which her parents are delighted to be part of.

Dad Chris revealed: “The treatment over here is far less advanced than what you get in America.

“You’re talking about £500,000 to go over there and get this kind of thing – but thankfully the UK is now catching up.

“Neuroblastoma gets no government funding because it’s such a rare illness, so you feel like you’re up against it to a certain extent.

“Hopefully they’ve now found a breakthrough and we’re just delighted that Vanessa is being given the chance to be part of this treatment.”

The condition hit the headlines last year when pop mogul Simon Cowell gave £100,000 to help Gateshead girl Sophie Atay fly to the States for similar treatment.

The antibody process encourages the body to hunt down and destroy the cancer which has originally formed in the nerve cells.

Scientists believe it could improve the chances of staying in remission by as much as 20 per cent.

Mum Connie added: “The doctors don’t know what causes Neuroblastoma and there’s never an absolute cure.

“Vanessa has been great and remained her lively, bubbly self since she was first diagnosed in February last year.

“She’s already been through a couple of six hour operations and completely accepts everything in her stride. We’re sure this will be the same.”

Vanessa, who attends Struthers Primary, can also count on the support of the Territorial Army, who are set to swing into action to raise money for her cause.

Chris, 39, explained: “I’ve been in the TA for 21 years and the boys down at the Ayr Yeomanry were desperate to help when they heard about Vanessa.

“I’m doing the Loch Ness marathon and Relentless 24 events later in the year so the boys are coming along to get involved. Their support has been fantastic.”

To donate money for the Neuroblastoma research cause, visit www.justgiving.com/ta-challenge