Courageous Macie from Thurrock is a star says cancer charity

THURROCK youngster Macie Cuthbert had a memorable 11^th birthday, having a biopsy on what turned out to be a rare form of cancer.

It’s so rare, Macie’s cancer has still not been identified by the teams at Great Ormond Street Hospital who have been responsible for her care. It’s meant months of tests and three rounds of surgery for the Harris Academy Ockendon pupil, resulting in the tumour – the size of a small apple – being removed on 16 January last year.

One year on and Macie, now 12, is not only cancer-free, but she has been recognised for her bravery throughout her treatment with a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award, in partnership with TK Maxx.  

Every child nominated receives the accolade, which is backed by a host of famous faces, including celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, TV personality Dr Ranj and children’s TV favourite Mister Maker.  

There is no judging panel because the charity believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition. The awards are open to all children under 18 who live in the UK and have been treated for the disease within the past five years.*   

As well as a star shaped trophy, Macie also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card – which she spent on clothes – a t-shirt and a certificate signed by the celebrities. 

It was just before Christmas 2022 when Macie and her family returned from a party that she first noticed the lump between her neck and left shoulder.

Macie’s mum, Michelle Gower, 42, said: “Macie came into my room at night when I was in bed and pulled her top down to one side and showed me the lump.  She asked me if it was cancer or a cyst. 

“It was a massive lump in her neck. I’d noticed earlier that day that her neck was red, but at that point, the lump wasn’t there.  It was like it just popped out.”

Months of testing followed at Great Ormond Street Hospital, but despite x-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests, doctors are baffled by the tumour.  “It was identified as a malignant tumour, but they think it’s possibly a secondary cancer. They don’t know what the primary cancer is,” said Michelle.

Each year around 250 children worldwide are diagnosed with unspecified cancers. Cancers of unknown primary (CUP) means that although a secondary cancer may have been found in your body, doctors don’t know where the cancer started (primary cancer).**** In Macie’s case, her doctors have sent off blood samples to teams at Great Ormond Street Hospital who will undertake a complete gene breakdown to try and identify her cancer, but this could take months. 

Because the lump was wedged between two main arteries, Macie underwent major surgery to remove it. Macie also had her tonsils removed in a separate operation as a precaution. She now receives three-monthly check-ups, but there is no sign of cancer in her body.

Following the all-clear, Macie was well enough to join her local girls’ football team – East Thurrock Rockettes – something she wanted to do before she became unwell.  

Michelle said: “She’s a really positive and bubbly girl. It was a terrifying experience, especially not knowing what type of cancer she had. I kept it from Macie for a long time and didn’t tell her until last July. It wasn’t until just before Christmas that Macie told her friends.

“I nominated her for the Little Star award because I wanted something positive for her to take all the negative things away.  She loves her Little Star award.”

There are around 170 new cases of cancer in children (age 0-14) each year in the East of England. * The charity is working to discover new ways to treat cancer, so all children and young people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of the disease. And thanks to some of its breakthroughs, children’s cancer survival in the UK has more than doubled since the 1970s.***   

But the Star Awards, and stories like Macie’s, shine a light on the unique challenges still faced by children like her.   

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the East of England, Shelley Baxter, said: “Macie is a real star who has been through so much at such a young age. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate her courage with a Star Award.   

“Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment – and many youngsters may experience serious long-term side effects. That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to ensure more children and young people survive cancer with a good quality of life.   

“We’re urging people in Essex to nominate inspirational children like Macie for a Star Award now, so that many more affected by this devastating disease can receive the acknowledgement they so richly deserve.”  

The Star Awards are run in partnership with TK Maxx, the biggest corporate supporter of Cancer Research UK’s work into children’s and young people’s cancers. Since 2004, the retailer has raised more than £44 million for vital research to help improve survival.    

To nominate a star visit cruk.org/starawards