Schoolboy Tom's battle with cancer inspires charity cycle

Oct 15 2012 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

When Selina Rennie took her son Tom to the doctor after he complained about a sore leg, she had no idea that her familys lives were about to be turned upside down.

At first, it was thought Tom might just be suffering from growing pains.

However, just weeks later, it was discovered that the seven-year-old schoolboy had a rare form of cancer.

Since then, Tom has been bravely battling the illness, with the support of his loving family.

And mum Selina, 45, admits there have been some tough times to endure.

She told the Paisley Daily Express: Back in February, Tom was complaining that his left leg was sore and I took him to the doctor but it was thought he maybe had growing pains or had torn a muscle.

After a while, his leg looked a bit swollen, so I took him back to the doctor and he was sent to hospital for an X-ray.

That was on the Monday and, on the Wednesday, they said he had a tumour.

On the Friday, they did an MRI scan and, the next Monday, they did a biopsy.

Two weeks later, Tom started his chemo it was that quick.

Since being diagnosed, Tom has gone through six rounds of chemotherapy.

Then, three weeks ago, he underwent surgery to remove his femur and knee joint, which have been replaced with a metal structure.

Toms femur joint contains a special motorised magnet which will allow his leg to grow as he does.

This modern technology means he wont have to undergo invasive surgery to lengthen his leg.

Selina, from Erskine, said: Our doctor told us Tom was the first patient in Scotland to receive the motorised magnet.

Hell go in about twice a year depending on how he grows and put his leg inside a machine which is shaped like a donut and it then activates the magnet in his femur joint and increases the length of his leg.

It means he wont need to get surgery every time he grows.

Toms dad Alex, 47, added: Weve called it the Porsche leg because its so expensive!

I remember Tom asking the doctor Why are you giving it to me? and he was told Because youre special.

Tom will have another six rounds of chemotherapy, which should finish in February or March next year, and will have annual scans for the rest of his life to make sure the cancer hasnt come back.

Alex said: Weve had so much support from our family and friends and even strangers.

Weve had people coming to the door with gifts for Tom, even though they live down the other end of the street and weve never met them before.

Its really humbling how supportive everyone has been.

Selina and myself have been given as much time off work as weve needed and everyone at Toms school Rashielea Primary has also been great.

Tom has managed to go back to school when hes been feeling better. Well take him in on his wheelchair and its like hes a rock star. All the kids crowd around him and ask him how hes doing. He loves it.

Alex and Selina are also full of praise for the staff at Yorkhill Hospital, in Glasgow, who have been treating their son.

And, with this in mind, the family have organised a sponsored bike ride in Millport.

The driving forces behind the event are Toms 19-year-old brother Zander and his uncle Graeme Clark.

Also taking part in the 60-mile cycle ride on Saturday are Keith Wales, Kenneth Scott, Colin Howe, Alex Clark, Bryan Johnstone and Paul Banyon.

And, provided Tom is well enough, Alex and Selina hope to be at Millport with him to cheer them on.

All of the money raised will be donated to the playroom in the Schiehallion ward at Yorkhill just in time to make Christmas extra special for the kids there.

Graeme said: We had hoped to raise £1,000 but, so far, weve got £1,800, so our new target is £2,500.

Weve called the event 60 Miles for Tom and well be doing six laps of the island. We know a lot of people go over and do one lap but we were looking for more of a challenge something we can be proud of.

Ive said to everyone that, if a seven-year-old boy can go through what Tom has gone through in such a short space of time, whats one day of cycling for us?

Alex added: Graeme and all of the family have been up to the ward to see Tom and have seen what its like and what kids are going through up there.

Its a place you dont know about until youre going through something like this.

To support the fundraising effort, visit the website at www.justgiving.com/Graeme-Clark1