
Our sporty 11-year-old's ‘growing pains' were the first sign of horrifying diagnosis that's blown our lives apart
HEARTBREAKING Our sporty 11-year-old's 'growing pains' were the first sign of horrifying diagnosis that's blown our lives apart
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
ISABELLE Vella's parents were devastated to discover their 11-year-old daughter's 'growing pains' were actually an aggressive form of bone cancer.
'We just couldn't believe it,' her dad, Al Vella, said. 'My wife collapsed at the hospital.'
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
7
Isabelle Vella (pictured) once enjoyed partaking in triathlon events
Credit: Gofundme
7
In April she was diagnosed with osteochondroma, a rare bone cancer
Credit: Gofundme
Before the diagnosis, Isabelle, from Cambridge, was a carefree, adventurous girl who loved triathlons and spending time with friends.
So when she started complaining of leg pain in April, her parents assumed it was just growing pains or a sports injury from training.
But after a GP visit and an X-ray, their world was turned upside down, Isabelle was diagnosed with osteochondroma, a rare bone cancer.
The condition affects up to 35 children a year in the UK and usually begins at the ends of long bones, where new bone grows during childhood.
"The ironic thing is, before the appointment she asked, 'Is it cancer?' and we told her not to be so ridiculous," the dad said.
Isabelle is now in her second round of chemotherapy and faces lifechanging surgery in August.
Doctors will either amputate her leg or try to save it using bone grafts or metal implants.
Despite everything, Isabelle has stayed upbeat.
Just a week after her diagnosis, she sat her Grade 3 drumming exam and passed with Merit.
'She won't be able to do triathlons or contact sports anymore,' said her dad, Al Vella.
Childhood cancer explained
"I have no doubt that she'll find a wheelchair sport in the future, maybe even go towards something like the Paralympics."
Her treatment has been gruelling, leaving her with a feeding tube and frozen ovaries to protect her chances of having children later in life.
"She has a massive zest for life but what has been taken away from her has completely destroyed us," he added/
"We have no option but to carry on and be strong for her.
'Devastating'
Mum Faye Vella said watching her daughter go through treatment has been "totally heartbreaking."
"It was such a shock to see how poorly the chemo made her," she saud,
"It is devastating seeing your lovely child confined to her bed and not even be able to talk because they feel so ill," she added.
With Isabelle's ongoing recovery set to take several years, her devastated parents have now set up a GoFundMe page.
7
The cancer treatments could involve removing the sporty tween's leg
Credit: Gofundme
7
Despite the pain, she still laughs and smiles. her mum Faye Vella, says
Credit: Gofundme
7
'If your child has any aches or pains, don't ignore it,' Isabelle's father, Al Vella, said
Credit: Gofundme
They say it will help contribute towards specialist therapies, possible prosthetics, wheelchairs, equipment and even the high likelihood that they will need to adapt their home.
Faye praised the staff at Addenbrooke's Hospital who have helped them through.
"The staff literally picked me up the floor and looked after us both," she said.
She calls her cancer Voldemort
Faye said she initially "naively" thought the pain was something minor, but now draws her strength from Isabelle.
"She's one of a kind," the mum said. "She's scared, but she knows she has to get through this."
The tween chooses not to use the word cancer, calling it Voldemort, a nod to Harry Potter. instead.
"Despite the pain she's in, she is just so joyful and happy and manages to laugh and smile at things," Faye said..
Al, who had never heard of osteochondroma before Isabelle's diagnosis, is urging parents to trust their instincts if something feels wrong with their child.
"My advice to others would be if you have any concerns, get it seen to," he said.
"Any aches or pains with your kids, you just never know what it really could be.
"Keep pursuing, if you think something could be wrong, don't give up in getting an answer.
"We never could have imagined this could have been the outcome and are so glad we got it checked when we did'".
7
The family are raising money to contribute towards specialist therapies
Credit: Gofundme
7
Isabelle chooses not to use the word cancer, calling it Voldemort instead.
Credit: Gofundme

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Hibs fan in intensive care after travelling to Denmark for key European clash
Dougie Sneddon took unwell in Copenhagen while in trip to watch the Hibbies play FC Midtjylland in the Europa League. A Hibs supporter is in intensive care after taking unwell while supporting his team in Denmark earlier this week. Dougie Sneddon, also known as Uncle Dougie, was in Copenhagen to see his beloved team play against Midtjylland on July 24. However, after taking unwell Dougie was admitted to hospital and is currently in intensive care on a ventilator, reports Edinburgh Live. Hibs fans and Dougie's pals from Edinburgh have since come together to create a fundraising page for his family to cover healthcare costs. The message on the GoFundMe reads: "Hi all my name is Peter Manson. I am starting a fundraiser to help cover the cost of medical care and accommodation for a well known friend to many. "As some of you may know, Uncle Dougie ( Dougie Sneddon ) was over in Denmark to see his beloved team. Dougie become seriously ill and is a Danish Hospital and is in ICU and on a ventilator. "So the family need our donations to cover cost till they find out about insurance. Not like the UK everything must be covered first. Any funds I receive will be transferred to the family ASAP. "I will also take cash donations and keep a check of who donated it and mention them if they request it. Please share." Many people on social media have shared their well wishes for Dougie while he remains in hospital. One person said: "Get well soon Dougie. Sending love to you and your family at this difficult time." A second added: "Sorry to hear about Dougie. I had some great Masonic evenings with Dougie when we were in the Mark Wright Memorial Degree Team. Get well soon brother." Hibs drew 1-1 with the Danish outfit in the first leg of their Europa League clash on Thursday night. The Edinburgh club host FC Midtjylland at Easter Road in the return leg this week, with a place in the third qualifying round of the tournament at stake. You can donate to Dougie's fundraiser here.


Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scots gran dies in Alicante airport after taking unwell in taxi on return from holiday
Angela McTier suffered a ruptured varicose vein which led to significant blood loss. A Scots gran tragically died in a Spanish airport on her way back from holiday. Angela McTier, from Blantyre in Lanarkshire, was heading to Alicante airport in a taxi when she suffered a ruptured varicose vein, causing significant blood loss. The 48-year-old reached the airport but she lost consciousness at the departure lounge and despite resuscitation attempts, she sadly died at the scene on July 22. Her daughter, Michelle Hilston, told STV that her mum had been trying to improve her health so she could watch her granddaughters grow up. The 24-year-old said: "My mum watched the grandkids at least two nights every week and always looked forward to them coming over. I'm heartbroken for my two girls who have just lost that special relationship with her. 'If there's one thing my mum loved, it was going on holiday, she thrived over there and this particular holiday to La Mata she just kept saying how amazing it was, it was her best holiday and she'd felt so well and couldn't wait to bring the grandkids over. 'She was due to go away with me and my two toddlers next month as well.' Michelle revealed that her mum gave her invaluable support when she was working towards achieving a degree in midwifery. She sent her mum a video of her 11-month-old granddaughter taking her first steps. Michelle added: 'She helped me out so much to pursue my dream degree after having my kids and always made sure I had all the childcare and financial support I needed. 'Her holidays were a special thing for her, she went multiple times a year, and it was one of the things she loved doing the most. 'But the thing she loved the most was her granddaughters and would ask for pictures of them multiple times a day. 'The day she died, I had sent her a video of my 11-month-old finally walking, and she was in tears over the video, phoning everyone to tell them, and I'm glad that's the last video she saw of the kids.' A FCDO Spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Spain.' A GoFundMe has been set up to help with the costs of repatriating Angela and her funeral.

Leader Live
7 hours ago
- Leader Live
Wrexham club to host fundraiser for dad of nine with MND
Ben Scott, from Caia Park, was given the tragic diagnosis last month. The disease gradually affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, eventually taking away the ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. However, stem cell treatment that lies in Beijing, China, could change the course of his illness. Ben and his family (Image: UGC) The cost of the treatment and travel, as well as private rehabilitative care in the UK, would be around £50,000. A GoFundMe page has raised over £8,000 so far. It can be accessed here. In an effort to boost the funds, volunteer-run amateur boxing club, Queens Park ABC is hosting a sponsored walk on Sunday, August 17. Ben and his long-term partner, Zoe Powell. (Image: UGC) Everyone is welcome to take part, with sponsorship forms and raffle tickets available at the gym located at the Queenscourt Complex in Queensway. Participants will begin at the Bridge End pub and hotel in Llangollen at 9am and finish at the Kings Mill pub in Wrexham. At 2pm, there will be a party with food and refreshments. A spokesperson from the club said: "One thing I can say about our community is that in times of crisis we all come together and help each other out. "Ben's a Queen's Park lad through and through so let's all make it a special day for him and his family." MORE CHARITY NEWS The 43-year-old is determined to keep fighting, despite being told he may have weeks, months or a couple of years to live. Ben has already lost grip in his hands and has largely lost the use of his arms. Brother-in-law Terry Powell said: "He's deteriorating very fast now so we are pretty desperate to get him there." While the treatment could not cure the disease, it could slow down its progression.