Mercy Cuthbertson was the most amazing 6 year old girl from North Tyneside, adored by her parents, loved by many and who had the most infectious black sense of humour you can ever imagine.
On 29th July 2023, following behavioural changes and dizziness, her parents were given the devasting news at the RVI in Newcastle that Mercy had a brain tumour, specifically a DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Giloma)- one of the most aggressive paediatric brain tumours which exist.
A new normal quickly dawned for Mercy and her parents, a normality of medical appointments, operations, radiotherapy sessions and caring for a very poorly child 24/7.
Mercy never complained once, never sought sympathy and fought like a trooper.
A fundraising drive was set up to raise funds to support Mercy and her family so she could access treatments and medicine abroad, have access to the best equipment and care and also to allow her parents to spend quality time with her, the clock was ticking and they were both off work caring for her 24/7.
Throughout her DIPG battle, Mercy received Avastin infusions and had ONC201 medicine shipped from America in a bid to prolong her life.
However, devastatingly despite a world wide search for clinical treatments and a potential cure , Mercy lost her fight on 19th May 2024, passing away peacefully at home in the arms of her parents and surrounded by her beloved puppies, Coco Junior and Teddy.
Mercy’s Mighty Foundation has been formed by her parents so that other children and families who find themselves in the same position can be supported when their lives are simply turned upside down.
DIPG tumours wait for no one, they are aggressive, fatal and the much needed clinical research around them is completely underfunded.
If Mercy’s legacy and foundation can help other families, then her DIPG journey has not been in vain and we can help drive the much needed change.
Her determination, fight and unwavering positivity will drive us on.
Thank you for your support – it WILL make a difference.