A CREDITON family whose daughter has been diagnosed with cancer twice is calling on locals to “band together” behind children and young people with cancer this World Cancer Day on February 4, by supporting a charity that helped them through it all.  

The Larkman family are sharing their story hoping to inspire locals to raise vital funds and awareness for CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, by encouraging the public to donate £2 to get a Band Against Cancer wristband available in three collectable colours.

The Larkman family had to put their life on hold when daughter, Jasmine, received a shock Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) diagnosis at just seven-years-old in August 2010.

Mum Rachel, said: “We noticed she was bruising more easily but she was very active, so we thought it was to do with just being an active youngster. But the bruising was really dramatic. She fell off her bike and the bruise took over her whole thigh.

“Then she had a coldsore that wouldn’t heal, so we took her to the doctor. The doctor took one look at her and said she was very pale. We know now they suspected leukaemia, but they did a blood test and the next day we had the diagnosis of ALL.

DEVASTATING

“We were horrified. We didn’t have a clue – we had never known anyone with childhood cancer. You are suddenly thrust into this world. It was devastating.”

The family was transferred from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital to Bristol Children’s Hospital 90 miles away from home for chemotherapy treatment. 

Rachel continued: “The first couple of days we were in shock. The worst thing was telling Jasmine she had cancer. She didn’t really understand when we said leukaemia, so we showed her a book.

“She was shocked more than anything. She still didn’t really understand what it was and what was happening to her. She was very accepting. But it was devastating for her when she started losing her hair.”

After two weeks the family was discharged to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for further treatment.

Jasmine’s treatment lasted longer than it usually would have because she kept reacting to the drugs and had a very serious case of pancreatitis.

Jasmine finished her treatment on New Year’s Eve 2012, but then sadly relapsed just three weeks later after meningitis symptoms were actually leukaemia cells coming back, which meant the Larkman family stayed in Bristol for nine months.

Rachel added: “I think it was easier than it would have been if it had come back after a long time. But it was still devastating. She was desperately ill. When we found out we were going to have nine months in Bristol it was really hard to take.”

BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT

Following the relapse, the family were told that Jasmine would need a bone marrow transplant. Her sister Beth who was going through her GCSE year was found to be a match and donated to her sister. 

Jasmine was discharged a month later in July 2013 but the family had to stay nearby as Jasmine needed further treatment.

Throughout Jasmine’s treatment, the Larkman family were supported by CLIC Sargent through CLIC Sargent nurses, which meant the family could receive treatment at home or in Exeter, and when in Bristol, the family stayed at one of the charity’s Homes from Home, ‘Sam’s House, where families can stay for free to be near their child.

“The CLIC Sargent nurses are incredible. I can’t say enough about them.

“They ring us up to say ‘how are you I haven’t heard from you in a while’, and after Jasmine had her stroke a nurse came and took her out for hot chocolate to find out how she was getting on.

“They just go above and beyond. I don’t know how you can get through without them. They administer chemo and all check-ups and support outside the hospital.

“They would take her blood at home so it’s less disruptive to your family life. You get to know them, and we have known these people for so many years they become part of your family.

“The accommodation really is a ‘Home from Home’. It is comfortable its somewhere quiet. Ann, the house manager, is like everyone’s surrogate mother. It makes it much easier to get through.”

Now the Larkman family are determined to give something back by supporting CLIC Sargent’s World Cancer Day campaign. Members of the public can donate just £2 to get their own Band Against Cancer wristband, available in three different collectable colours, to raise vital funds and awareness.

“It’s a great feeling to wear our Band Against Cancer wristband as a family and give something back to CLIC Sargent because I don’t know what we would have done without them. Taking a few seconds out of your day to make a small donation will make a huge difference to families like ours who need that support.”

Jordan Anderton, CLIC Sargent Fundraising and Engagement Manager for Devon, said: “Donating and getting your Band Against Cancer wristband is a simple way to show your support for CLIC Sargent and families like Jasmine’s, this World Cancer Day.

“Cancer costs for families in so many ways, especially when it comes back a second time. But with your help, CLIC Sargent can fight for these families by providing practical, emotional and financial support, to help minimise the damage cancer causes beyond their health.”

To find out more about World Cancer Day and to get your own Band Against Cancer wristband go to: www.clicsargent.org.uk/ .

World Cancer Day bands are also available in J D Wetherspoon pubs, Morrisons stores and select H Samuel and Ernest Jones stores.