How Jaywick cancer patient Alyssa is shattering stigma around Down Syndrome

Alyssa-Hope Fincher, who is seven-years-old, attends the Sir Martin Frobisher Academy in Frobisher Drive, Jaywick.

Since the summer, the young fighter has battled leukaemia and is now preparing to finish the final, intensive phase of her treatment.

After she has recovered, she will return to her school studies full-time following the Easter holidays.

Her father, Adam Fincher, said: “She is doing really well with her treatment, fighting it well and so far hasn’t had any setbacks.

“Alyssa is now entering the maintenance phase of her treatment and isn’t letting it get to her and is just getting on with it.

“Considering what Alyssa goes through she doesn’t let it phase her. She lets the doctors do what they’ve got to do and doesn’t scream or shout, just taking it as it goes.

“When we were told she had leukaemia it was said the fight would be a lot tougher for her but actually she tells the doctors what to do; when she needs a mask, check blood pressure etcetera.

“If they don’t do it the right way they get told off.

“Wherever she goes no matter how bad she is feeling or how bad your day is she will always put a smile on your face.

“She’s hilarious, really good fun and we couldn’t ask for a better child really.

“No matter what treatment she’s been through she never lets it get to her, she’s just Alyssa.”

TRULY INSPIRING: Alyssa-Hope Fincher, 7, who has down syndrome, is battling cancer

It is now hoped Alyssa-Hope will return to school following the Easter holidays, with her parents adding how much she loves attending.

Mr Fincher praised staff at Sir Martin Frobisher Academy for the support they have given his daughter, who is also deaf.

He added: “The school have been so supportive of her from the start.

“A lot of people have asked why we didn’t send her to a special educational needs school and it has been a challenge for all as she is the first Down Syndrome child they have had but they have adapted to it quite well.

“It’s always a learning curve for us all but they’ve been 100 per cent there for us and we are grateful for it.”

Special educational needs co-ordinator Priscilla Wadsworth said: “We are fortunate to have lovely Alyssa-Hope, who has Down Syndrome, at our setting.

“She is a ray of sunshine and we must do what we can to educate about all differences and raise awareness in the community about inclusion.”

TRULY INSPIRING: Alyssa-Hope Fincher, 7, who has down syndrome, is battling cancer

Alyssa’s unwavering determination, which she displays on a daily basis, has inspired, more than ever, the Sir Martin Frobisher School to mark World Down Syndrome Day.

The annual event will take place on Sunday but the school will celebrate the occasion the following day in support of the Lots of Socks campaign.

The initiative exists to raise awareness of Down Syndrome and will see staff and students take part in a parade while wearing socks and dressing in blue and yellow.

Pupils will also spend the day designing their own funky socks and sock puppets as well as learning about Down Syndrome, so they have a better understanding.

RAISING AWARENESS: Priscilla Wadsworth, SENCO teacher at Sir Martin Frobisher Academy

Miss Wadsworth, 39, added: “We are a small school in Jaywick, a really deprived area and in terms of special educational needs, we are well above national average.

“What I really want to do is raise awareness about special educational needs and inclusion and how important it is.

“Above all, it is about our children and inspiring them, no matter what their needs may be, that they can achieve their dreams.

“We are at the point where we need to convince them that it is OK to dream and dream big and it is something we are really passionate about and must raise awareness.

“After all, knowledge is power.”