Girl, 14, raising money for other children of cancer patients after dad given weeks to live

Lawrence Stewart has faced cancer 14 times.

An Edinburgh schoolgirl has launched a campaign to raise £5,000 for other children whose parents have cancer after the news that her father, who has survived the disease 14 times, has just weeks left to live.

The money gathered by 14-year-old Abbie Stewart will be directed through Maggie’s and Macmillan to provide support for children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer.

She has so far raised almost £4,000, and hopes to reach her target in time for her her father, Lawrence Stewart, to celebrate with her.

Abbie Stewart with father Lawrence

Abbie and her sister Rachel, 17, have felt the lack of targeted support for children during Lawrence’s long-term struggle with cancer, said their mother Lynsey.

“There’s nothing for the children, there’s no one for them to speak to. Neither of the girls ever had any support from a social worker or anything like that,” she said.

Lawrence Stewart, 42, was first diagnosed with cancer aged 15.

After a year of surgery and chemotherapy he beat the disease, only for it to return 13 times in the next three decades.

In 2005 he went through brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and was left paralysed on the left side of his body.

He was told in late May that the cancer has returned to his brain.

As he has been through so many treatments there is nothing doctors can do, and he has been told that he has just weeks left to live.

“My sister and I have been told on at least three occasions that we should prepare for the worst and that he wouldn’t survive but he always has, this time I know he won’t,” said Abbie.

She added: “As much as I would love to make lots of new memories with my dad I don’t see that happening now but I know how lucky I have been to have had him in my life the past 14 years.”

The family have maintained lockdown restrictions on their household in order to protect Lawrence, who has signed a DNR order.

Without targeted support it has been difficult to help her daughters come to terms with their father’s terminal diagnosis, Lynsey said.

“The girls have been told four times in their life that their dad isn’t going to make it, but he’s always pulled through,” she said.

“It’s very hard to get them to understand that it will happen, when they think their dad is superman.

“He doesn’t look like he’s dying, that’s what’s so hard.”

Lawrence will not be given any treatment for his current cancer, but will be transferred to the Marie Curie Hospice if he needs support or pain management.

“It’s a pretty crap situation, with everything else going on in the world and now this,” said Lynsey.

“Because we’re shielding Lawrence Abbie can’t see any of her friends, she can’t go outside.”

She added that the fundraiser is helping the family to get through lockdown by giving them something to focus on.

Lawrence said: “Every penny counts and puts me a step closer to having the chance of leaving something for others.

“I owe so much to our amazing NHS for keeping me alive these past 27 years and will be forever grateful to my amazing consultant oncologist Larry Hayward at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre for everything he has done for my family.

“If you are unable to donate, sharing is caring, please could I ask that you take a couple of minutes to share this page and my story.

“It would be amazing to see the target reached before my time is up.”

The fundraiser can be found here.