A mother whose daughter successfully climbed one of the biggest mountains of all – cancer – embarked on her own mountainous challenge to raise almost £4,700 for The Christie.
Regina Coulon, from Blackpool, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for the hospital’s Young Oncology Unit (YOU) in which daughter Nikita was a patient whilst receiving treatment for a form bone cancer, osteosarcoma.
Nikita, 25, was a dance teacher when she received every person dreads in June 2012.
She said: “I think that people don’t expect you to get cancer at such a young age.
“Especially me as a dancer, you don’t think that a pain in your leg is going to turn out as bone cancer…it’s just the last thing you would ever think of.”
“I found that taking part in music therapy sessions and becoming a member of the YOU62 band really helped me to deal with the situation.”
Following a course of chemotherapy as an inpatient at The Christie, Nikita underwent surgery at a Birmingham hospital.
Regina said: “When Nikita was diagnosed, what went through my head was how I was going to tell my daughter she had cancer.
“It’s probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.”
Regina remained firmly at her daughters side during her time at The Christie, ensuring that she always stayed overnight with her.
She said: “I heard about the Kilimanjaro trek through friends and thought that when Nikita had finished her treatment it was something I really wanted to do to raise money for the oncology unit at The Christie.
“Nikita encouraged and supported me and I’m so pleased she did because it was an incredible experience.”
Regina, who also works within the dance industry, added: “It was amazing.
“I struggled with the altitude and my breathing, but the views were incredible and I felt thoroughly exhilarated at the end of each day.”
The mother-of-four recalled how ‘the final push to the summit was really hard’ as she walked 12 hours non-stop to reach the top.
“It was tough and they were really long days but they were so worth it,” she said.
Nikita, who spent her 24th Birthday on the unit said: “Obviously it is horrible for anybody to hear a diagnosis of cancer, regardless of age or who you may be.”
The inspiring pair recollected their experiences of cancer and the treatment provided by The Christie in a special fundraising film.
The short film highpoints The Christie’s new teenage cancer centre.
The film, which was shown at the JD Sports Diamond Ball held at The Hilton in February, raised almost £200,000 towards the social and activity space available in the new centre.
Both Nikita and her mum were guests of honour at the spectacular event.
Nikita received her final treatment in March 2013, but attends regularly for check-ups.
The Christie’s new Palatine Road Treatment Centre will house teenage and young adult services, as well as its haematology and transplant inpatient service.
The impressive £12million development has 31 specialist inpatient rooms on the first floor, each with their very own en-suite bathroom.
The centre also contains outpatient facilities; located on the ground floor, as well as facilities for young patients including a gym, music room and relaxation area which can all be found on the second floor.
Image courtesy of The Christie via YouTube, with thanks.
