Bexhill girl, 10, diagnosed with rare tumour after complaining of neck pain

Maisie Askew was diagnosed with osteoblastoma and underwent surgery at King’s College Hospital, in London, on Saturday (March 6).

Her mother Claire said it went really well and Maisie is now back on the ward beginning the long process of recovery and rehabilitation.

Maisie’s condition means cells of her body have formed a tumour in one of her neck bones. The lump crushed her c5 vertebrae, leaving her in excruciating pain and in need of a neck brace.

Initially, the Glenleigh Park pupil complained of pain in her neck about four weeks ago which was thought to be a pulled muscle. However, after a trip to A&E at the Conquest Hospital, Maisie was rushed to King’s College Hospital.

She remained there until Saturday’s operation which aimed to remove as much of the tumour as possible. The process was complex as the tumour had wrapped around some of the vessels that supply her brain.

A week before her surgery, a fundraising page was set up to help her parents cover the cost of staying in hotels close to the hospital while Maisie has her treatment, and for any additional costs she will need through recovery. In seven days, the page has raised £4,320 from more than 200 donors.

Claire said: “We are totally overwhelmed by the kindness and support we have received.”

Claire described Maisie as an ‘incredible girl’ who was selfless and always doing things for others before she became unwell.

She has previously made homeless packs for Surviving Christmas, cut 14 inches off her hair for the Little Princess Trust and bagged sweets for children during the lockdown to cheer them up. Claire said her list of fundraising activities is ‘endless’.

Claire added: “She is truly amazing and been positive and smiley, making friends wherever she goes here and we are just so proud of her.

“We both just miss dad and our two boys at home in Bexhill ”

If you would like to support Maisie and her family, please click here.