Lucie-Joan faces third cancer battle before 14th birthday

Lucie-Joan Fagan had just resumed her studies after a two-year hiatus when her teacher unexpectedly visited her mother. The young girl had been contending with a rare brain cancer and was recently cleared to return to school. However, she collapsed after experiencing a seizure last Thursday, just as she was adjusting to her routine.

At ten years old, Lucie was diagnosed with ependymoma, a tumour originating from cells, in March 2021. Her mother, Jayne Fagan, shared that the family moved to Manchester for several months so Lucie could undergo proton beam therapy at Christie Hospital.

Despite completing her treatment and celebrating her recovery, a subsequent scan revealed Lucie, from Bootle, Merseyside, had developed another brain tumour. Following successful radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, the Manchester City fan managed to return to school after two years, according to reports.

However, just days before turning 14, Lucie collapsed at school, revealing the cancer’s return for a third time. Ms Fagan recounted, “Her teacher knocked on my door and urged me to get in the car quickly. Lucie had collapsed.”

She continued, “I immediately knew her cancer was back; there was no doubt.” Lucie was taken to Alder Hey Hospital, where an MRI confirmed another tumour on her brain. This means she must resume proton beam therapy at Christie Hospital, necessitating the family’s temporary move to Manchester over Christmas.

Ms Fagan expressed how difficult the situation is for Lucie, who had formed strong friendships and secured a role in the school Christmas play, now lost. Lucie, now at an age where appearance is important to her, is devastated at the possibility of losing her hair again. “We’ll be spending Christmas and New Year in Manchester at a hotel. We haven’t had a regular Christmas in years, and we thought this one would be normal. Everything seemed fine until we heard the news.”

To cover the costs of their stay while Lucie undergoes treatment, Ms Fagan has launched a GoFundMe campaign. Lucie’s GoFundMe page is available for those who wish to contribute.