Rubery and Hollywood young cancer patients who became 'like sisters' at the QE to air their story on BBC show - The Bromsgrove Standard

Rubery and Hollywood young cancer patients who became 'like sisters' at the QE to air their story on BBC show

Bromsgrove Editorial 23rd Sep, 2020 Updated: 23rd Sep, 2020   0

TWO friends who were diagnosed with cancer as teenagers will share their emotional stories on BBC One this Sunday, September 27.

Rubery resident Sophie Coleman and Mayisha Begum, from Hollywood, will appear on Lifeline Appeal on behalf of Teenage Cancer Trust.

Mayisha, aged 20, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia when she was 17 years old.

She officially got the all-clear earlier this year in April.




While Sophie, also 20, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in May 2018 and got the all-clear in December 2018.

Both were treated on Teenage Cancer Trust’s unit at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which is where they met.


Sophie and Mayisha. Picture courtesy of the Teenage Cancer Trust. s

The Teenage Cancer Trust units, staffed by expert nurses and youth support teams, bring young people with cancer together.

Mayisha said: “I was scared to leave my room at first but I soon realised it was nice that other people my age were experiencing the same.

“It was great to listen to their stories of what they were going through and to talk about my own experience too. I felt less alone.”

Mayisha had to overcome her fear of needles during her treatment.

After meeting Sophie, who was struggling with the same issue, the pair shared tips and advice to help them move past their fears.

This was the start of a growing friendship which has seen them face cancer together and become, in their own words, ‘like sisters’.

Sophie and Mayisha. Picture courtesy of the Teenage Cancer Trust. s

Sophie added: “During our treatment we spent hours in the games room chatting.

“Even after my treatment finished I’d still pop in to support Mayisha through hers.

“Teenage Cancer Trust and our friendship has been a huge part of us beating cancer, and we’re really proud to be sharing our story together.

“Please tune in to the show to hear more about our story, and if you can, support Teenage Cancer Trust.”

The programme, hosted by Kaiser Chiefs’ lead singer Ricky Wilson, will air at 2.05pm.

Every pound donated to Teenage Cancer Trust will be matched by Aldi UK (up to a maximum value of £20,000).

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