Part of the Etc.
There’s nothing like a bit of sparkle to brighten up your day.
And that is exactly what students from Stockton Riverside College delivered to Brotton youngster Philippa Wood.
After hearing about the four-year-old’s lengthy battle with leukaemia, the construction team offered their time and expertise to step in and carry out a bedroom makeover.
With backing from the Ellen Timney Foundation, the guys were able to create a sparkly pink haven for Philippa, who finally completed her chemotherapy treatment in May.
Dad Phil, 32, said: “She has been pestering for a year and a half to have her bedroom decorated. With everything that has been going on, we haven’t been able to do it.”
When North-east charity, the Ellen Timney Foundation, offered to lend a hand, the Brotton family jumped at the offer. The guys from Stockton Riverside College were happy to roll up their sleeves and carry out the handy work.
Diagnosed with leukaemia in March 2016, Philippa has undergone two years of extensive and at times invasive treatment.
But the family have always considered themselves lucky as the disease was caught quickly when, in a bizarre twist of fate, the family dog Bessie, detected the cancer.
“It has been a life changing experience for us all,” said Phil. But Philippa has remained resilient throughout.
“All of the kids seem to deal with it well,” said mum Paula. “They are very strong willed and while they might get a poorly kid on the ward they are bouncing the next day. It is amazing, they all have the will of Shire horses.”
To finally reach the end of their chemotherapy treatment is a key milestone for all. The event is marked at Newcastle RVI by ringing a bell earmarked especially for the occasion.
Phil said: “Philippa was excited to ring the bell to signal the end of her treatment. She will always hold that sentiment now and always associate that sound with the end of her treatment.”
Now, while she continues to remain under the care of her consultant and with a few procedures still to go, the family remain firmly focused on the positive. And a sparkly new bedroom proved just the tonic for Philippa.
Phil said: “We did ask Philippa what she wanted and it has changed a few times, from bright colours to rainbows and then it was fairies. But she has always ran with sparkles so that is what we have stuck with.”
Brickwork, Joinery and Painting and Decorating students from Stockton Riverside College worked together on the project, clearing the space, knocking out a built-in cupboard, plastering the walls, fitting a new bedroom door and decorating the bedroom.
Painting and Decorating tutor Tony Ferguson said: “We were more than happy to lend a hand after hearing about Philippa’s story. Plus it was a great experience for the students as they are working on a real job with real clients that is something you can’t recreate in the workshop.”
He said: “The students have been challenged by the task and it has strengthened their understanding of the real working world.
“It also showed the students that it is not always just about the money. They heard Philippa’s story and then got to meet her, the family and the dog. I know that when they went home they will have felt quite chuffed to have helped by doing their bit.”
Are you looking to start your career in construction. Check out our all of our courses at www.stockton.ac.uk/16-18-courses/ and apply now for September!
And that is exactly what students from Stockton Riverside College delivered to Brotton youngster Philippa Wood.
After hearing about the four-year-old’s lengthy battle with leukaemia, the construction team offered their time and expertise to step in and carry out a bedroom makeover.With backing from the Ellen Timney Foundation, the guys were able to create a sparkly pink haven for Philippa, who finally completed her chemotherapy treatment in May.
Dad Phil, 32, said: “She has been pestering for a year and a half to have her bedroom decorated. With everything that has been going on, we haven’t been able to do it.”
When North-east charity, the Ellen Timney Foundation, offered to lend a hand, the Brotton family jumped at the offer. The guys from Stockton Riverside College were happy to roll up their sleeves and carry out the handy work.
Diagnosed with leukaemia in March 2016, Philippa has undergone two years of extensive and at times invasive treatment.
But the family have always considered themselves lucky as the disease was caught quickly when, in a bizarre twist of fate, the family dog Bessie, detected the cancer.
“It has been a life changing experience for us all,” said Phil. But Philippa has remained resilient throughout.
“All of the kids seem to deal with it well,” said mum Paula. “They are very strong willed and while they might get a poorly kid on the ward they are bouncing the next day. It is amazing, they all have the will of Shire horses.”
To finally reach the end of their chemotherapy treatment is a key milestone for all. The event is marked at Newcastle RVI by ringing a bell earmarked especially for the occasion.
Phil said: “Philippa was excited to ring the bell to signal the end of her treatment. She will always hold that sentiment now and always associate that sound with the end of her treatment.”
Now, while she continues to remain under the care of her consultant and with a few procedures still to go, the family remain firmly focused on the positive. And a sparkly new bedroom proved just the tonic for Philippa.
Phil said: “We did ask Philippa what she wanted and it has changed a few times, from bright colours to rainbows and then it was fairies. But she has always ran with sparkles so that is what we have stuck with.”
Brickwork, Joinery and Painting and Decorating students from Stockton Riverside College worked together on the project, clearing the space, knocking out a built-in cupboard, plastering the walls, fitting a new bedroom door and decorating the bedroom.Painting and Decorating tutor Tony Ferguson said: “We were more than happy to lend a hand after hearing about Philippa’s story. Plus it was a great experience for the students as they are working on a real job with real clients that is something you can’t recreate in the workshop.”
He said: “The students have been challenged by the task and it has strengthened their understanding of the real working world.
“It also showed the students that it is not always just about the money. They heard Philippa’s story and then got to meet her, the family and the dog. I know that when they went home they will have felt quite chuffed to have helped by doing their bit.”
Are you looking to start your career in construction. Check out our all of our courses at www.stockton.ac.uk/16-18-courses/ and apply now for September!
