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Mum And Son Beat Cancer After Both Being Diagnosed Four Years Ago

Mum And Son Beat Cancer After Both Being Diagnosed Four Years Ago

The incredible pair have both been given the all clear

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A mum and son who were both diagnosed with cancer four years ago have now been given the all clear.

Vici Rigby was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer in autumn 2016, just four month later her son George was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

However, following four years of treatment, including surgery and rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the pair have been given the happy news that their cancer has gone.

Vici said: "When I was diagnosed it was just shock and my first thought was about the boys.

Worcestershire Royal Hospital

"I just assumed the outcome would be bad, considering the seriousness of the diagnosis.

"When George was diagnosed, it's hard to put into words really, the rug was pulled from underneath us again but this time it was our four-year-old boy.

"There's no way to really rationalise it in your mind. I guess on one hand we were just shell shocked again but on the other hand, we were so used to talking about and living through cancer that it almost felt like this is what we did.

"I remember thinking we now had to hope for two miracles, for us both to get better.

"Quite early on, George's prognosis was very good so even though it was the most difficult period of time to get through, we always had a lot of hope and reassurance that he would recover."

George, eight, underwent three-and-a-half years of treatment at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where he was recently able to ring the bell to celebrate being given the all clear - just months after mum Vici was discharged.

Although the family from Bromsgrove to Tenby in Wales last summer, Vici and her husband Jamie decided they would undertake a monthly 350-mile, seven-hour round trip so George could continue his treatment at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Vici added: "When George was first taken into hospital to get his diagnosis I was still recovering from surgery myself.

"But the team at Worcester were amazing, I honestly can't praise them enough.

"There were a few times when both I and George were in the hospital at the same time and they were all just brilliant.

"We moved to Tenby last year we decided to keep George's care with Worcester as the care we've received has been absolutely outstanding.

"Dawn and Baylon, in particular, are so knowledgeable, attentive, caring and we have complete trust in them."

Children's oncology nurse specialist Dawn Forbes said: "It's been an absolute pleasure to care for George and his family over the last three and a half years.

"George has been very brave throughout his treatment. We are in awe of George's parents, Vici and Jamie, who have also shown immense resilience throughout his treatment.

"It's a testament to the service and care we provide, and the fantastic relationship we all have with George and his family, that they have chosen to continue receiving his treatment here in Worcestershire considering they moved to Wales last summer."

Featured Image Credit: Worcestershire Royal Hospital

Topics: UK