A TEENAGER given the all-clear after finishing cancer treatment is urging people to support the charity which helped her family.

Doctors initially thought the lump on Matilda Somerwell’s neck was simply a cyst.

But mum Jo Palmer-Tweed’s fears were confirmed when after three months of tests, Tilly was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in November 2015 when she was just 13 years old.

Ms Palmer-Tweed said: “We noticed Tilly had a lump appearing in her neck where you’d expect to find an Adam’s apple on a boy. We took her to a GP and they told us 100 per cent it was just a cyst and it was nothing to worry about.

“We weren’t happy about this, I just knew something was wrong instinctively, I don’t know why. We had to fight to get this lump further investigated.

“The GP was a bit dismissive, I don’t think thyroid cancer would cross their mind because it’s so rare in children Tilly’s age.

“We were referred to an ENT consultant – they again said it was sure it would be cyst, but best to check it out.

“We went for an ultra sounds scan and you could see this mass.

“The nurse came in and put her arm round me I knew it wasn’t going to be good.”

The cancer wasn’t confirmed until Tilly had an operation to remove part of the thyroid in October 2015.

A second operation took place in the following February to remove the rest.

Gosfield School pupil Tilly then underwent radioactive iodine therapy in April 2016 to make sure the cancer didn’t come back. This treatment involves staying in isolation in lead-lined room.

Ms Palmer-Tweed, 47, said: “I was really worried when radioactive iodine therapy came up because I knew she would be alone. It’s the strangest feeling in the world wearing a Geiger counter and hearing it click as you get close to your child.

“She was in for five days, allowed out gradually and told not to stand too close people for a long time – it’s very strange having a radioactive child.

“As a parent, it was hard to not to hug her because it’s your first instinct when they are going through a tough time.”

During Tilly’s treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College Hospital, in London the family had help from a CLIC Sargent social worker, who provided financial, emotional and practical support.

The family, who include Tilly’s brother Charlie, 17, stayed at one of the charity’s Home from Homes. where families can stay for free during treatment.

“The hospital was about an hour and half from home, so to be able to stay at the house made a huge difference. It meant we could be with Tilly whilst she was in hospital, I was amazed that it was even on offer as a service for families like us – I was blown away.

“Having Jan, our social worker, there feels like another line of defence – it’s all a battle and sometimes you don’t feel like fighting.

“Without CLIC Sargent it would have been very lonely, with their support I don’t have to be a one woman fighter, I don’t have to do it alone.”

Thankfully the treatment was a success and now the family are keen to give something back by backing the World Cancer Day campaign.

Tilly, who is now 14, said: “I’m really proud to wear my World Cancer Day band because CLIC Sargent means so much to me and my family. I hope everyone in Colchester gets inspired to buy a band and raise awareness so they can help more families like mine.”

Kate Lee, Chief Executive at CLIC Sargent, said: “Today, 11 children and young people in the UK will hear the shocking news that they have cancer. “When cancer strikes young lives we fight tirelessly to provide the financial, emotional and practical support they need.

“This World Cancer Day, we want everyone to ‘band together’ behind children and young people like Tilly by donating, wearing a Unity Band and spreading the word. These simple acts will help more young people thrive not just survive after their cancer diagnosis.”

  •  Wear your Unity Band on February 4, World Cancer Day, as a symbol of support for everyone affected by cancer. You can buy one for a suggested donation of £2, at www.clicsargent.org.uk/WorldCancerDay.