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Search forTeenager battling cancer begs for early release after titanium operation.
Saturday, October 11, 2008, 07:30
Rebecca Hill was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in July, after doctors discovered several tumours in her leg.
After undergoing chemotherapy, the bones in the 18-year-old's leg were so brittle that they snapped as she rolled over in bed in the night.
Doctors removed one of the tumours from Rebecca's leg but had to replace the damaged bones in her thigh, knee and part of her lower leg with titanium.
Rebecca, who is recovering from having the implants fitted, said: "When I was diagnosed with cancer, for some reason, I just didn't think much of it at the time.
"I'm just in my own dream world most of the time and I just carry on being me.
"It's important not to worry. You need to stay positive and hope that you get better."
Rebecca, of Short Heath Road, Moira, was determined not to miss a fashion show organised by her older sister, Emma.
She begged doctors at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to release her early.
Her 23-year-old sister creates her own clothes and, with other designers, showcased her creations on the catwalk at the Pepper Tree, in Burton.
The audience were then invited to bid for the one-of-a-kind pieces in an auction.
Together with a raffle and other donations, the event raised £1,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust – a charity that improves the lives of youngsters with cancer.
And Rebecca, who frequently models for her sister, donned one of Emma's outfits for the occasion and encouraged the 60 people who attended to bid.
Emma, of New Row, Moira, said: "She grabbed the microphone and did ever so well, especially considering that she'd been in hospital only that morning.
"She was ever so happy being there and she told the audience how supportive the Teenage Cancer Trust had been to her.
"Rebecca is lucky because she has so many supportive family and friends but, as she said on the night, not everybody has that.
"That's why we wanted to give the money to that charity. Both our grandma and grandfather died of cancer, so it's an important thing to our family."
Osteosarcoma is a disease in which cancer cells found in bones spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs.
It is most common in people aged 10 to 25 and, in most cases, is found in bones around the knee.
Rebecca, who works as a customer services supervisor at the TK Maxx Store in Burton, attends a Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment.
Paula Hancox, the regional manager for the trust, attended the fashion show and said: "It was a fantastic evening and we wouldn't be able to do what we do without events like these.
"Rebecca has a really positive attitude and wants to get better, which makes all the difference.
"I am delighted with the efforts that Emma has made as well. It's important to make people aware that teenagers do get cancer."
dressed for success: Rebecca Hill, right, and sister Emma try the frocks out for size at the fashion show held to raise cash for a teenage cancer charity.
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