Fife teen celebrates two years cancer free

Toby Etheridge was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia just before Christmas 2014, but, after a three-and-a-bit-year battle, he defeated the disease and was given the all clear.

Despite having a smaller celebration this year due to the lockdown restrictions, mum Alison said the day was “special”.

“When he became cancer free we had a big party, and it was a fantastic evening,” she said.

“Last year he was in Lourdes on pilgrimage. He was chosen to go by St Andrews High School in Kirkcaldy. They gave him a cake and sang for him.

“To have him at home for this second anniversary was special. He said it felt like a birthday.”

Toby, along with Alison and dad Ritchie, enjoyed a special meal from 1B Westport.

Alison said the “emotions started flooding back” on the anniversary, but described it as “lovely” to mark two years since he was given the all clear.

“It was special,” she added.

“He’s still on a bumpy road. He has issues with his spine, but he gets on with it and is a little trooper.

“He’s also fed up about being penned in, but he’s doing OK with the school work.

“Toby will be going into S4. He’s still involved with the charity an awful lot, though.”

Unfortunately, like many charities across the UK, Toby’s Magical Journey, the local charity which supports children and young people with cancer, has been affected by the lockdown.

While the charity does have funding secured that will allow it to keep its Bonnygate base running, the cancellation of fundraising events, such as the annual football match which helps raise important money for the organisation, has had a “dramatic” impact.

Alison and Ritchie have been applying for funding grants, saying that the support the charity offers needs to continue.

Toby’s Magical Journey, which was started by Toby during his treatment, has been sending toys and gifts to hospitals.

“Children are still getting diagnosed,” Alison said.

“Life still carries on.

“The charity will continue. It’s going to take a lot of effort. It’s the same for everyone. You just have to recover.”

To keep up-to-date with the charity, visit the website www.tobysmagicaljourney.co.uk, or go to the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TobysMagicalJourney.