My teenager's 'growing pains' turned out to be deadly – now her little brother is going to save her life
11.09.2022 - 09:47
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
When Ruby Chiege came home from school one afternoon in agony, her mum Debra assumed it was just growing pains. But just 24 hours later, their lives were thrown into turmoil – ultimately leading one family member to make a great sacrifice.
It was April 20 when Ruby began complaining of pain in her legs. When paracetamol failed to relieve her discomfort, Debra dialled 111 and was advised to take her to A&E.
On arrival at hospital, Ruby had X-rays taken which appeared to show nothing of concern. The 13-year-old, who lives in Little Hulton , was told to go home and continue taking painkillers.
The Lowry Academy pupil was kept off school the following day as the pain persisted. When the teenager fainted in her room later that evening, Debra knew something was seriously wrong.
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The family returned to hospital where Ruby was given blood tests. Single mum-of-four Debra was on her own when she was taken into a private room. Ruby's results were back – she had leukaemia.
“There was a long wait for an ambulance so her grandma took us back to hospital,” Debra, 38, told the Manchester Evening News .
“They did bloods and that’s when we found out it was leukaemia. They said they needed a second opinion and were going to send us to Manchester Children’s Hospital.
“I had heard of leukaemia, but I had never read up on it. I said, ‘What’s leukaemia? You’ve got the wrong child here’. I just sank. Whatever they said to me wasn’t sinking in. I just couldn’t lose my daughter – cancer is cancer. The big C.”
Ruby remained in hospital for chemotherapy treatment for four months before being allowed home last week.