Video: School's message to brave Elsa on her birthday

It has been an important week for brave little Elsa McBurney as she celebrated her seventh birthday in hospital.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Mar 2017, 16:49 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:54 BST
Elsa McBurney celebrated her seventh birthday this week.Elsa McBurney celebrated her seventh birthday this week.
Elsa McBurney celebrated her seventh birthday this week.

The Abercorn Primary pupil remains in hospital under going treatment for cancer of the spine.

One of her birthday presents was a video message from teachers and her class mates at Abercorn Primary School.

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Elsa’s mum Leslie has been keeping record of her daughter’s treatment and posting on the Team Elsa Facebook page, she said: “Elsa is off her steroids, but still on her antibiotics because of infection.

Lynsey Sterritt receives a cheque from Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Greenfield and local MP David Simpson for Elsa fundraiser in Banbridge Orange Hall. Also pictured is Sophia Greenfield.Lynsey Sterritt receives a cheque from Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Greenfield and local MP David Simpson for Elsa fundraiser in Banbridge Orange Hall. Also pictured is Sophia Greenfield.
Lynsey Sterritt receives a cheque from Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Greenfield and local MP David Simpson for Elsa fundraiser in Banbridge Orange Hall. Also pictured is Sophia Greenfield.

“She still ate pretty well today, I’m very wary that her appetite will decrease soon but each day I’m pleasantly surprised so let’s hope she keeps it up!

“My absolute rockstar daughter decided that she would take her own hair away, not let the bad lump steal it. She sat cool, calm and collected as she watched her beautiful brunette hair gather around her feet and looked nothing only relieved when it was over.

“She had a little tear when she saw her reflection but everyone here has been building her up with compliments and she’s feeling good. I know I say it often, but I couldn’t say it enough. I am absolutely blown away by Elsa and how she is handling all of this. I am full of pride.

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“Physically Elsa is doing very well but unsurprisingly she has a few anxieties that the staff here are aware of and working on. For those who aren’t aware Elsa has a central line in her chest.

Lynsey Sterritt receives a cheque from Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Greenfield and local MP David Simpson for Elsa fundraiser in Banbridge Orange Hall. Also pictured is Sophia Greenfield.Lynsey Sterritt receives a cheque from Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Greenfield and local MP David Simpson for Elsa fundraiser in Banbridge Orange Hall. Also pictured is Sophia Greenfield.
Lynsey Sterritt receives a cheque from Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Greenfield and local MP David Simpson for Elsa fundraiser in Banbridge Orange Hall. Also pictured is Sophia Greenfield.

“This is how she receives her chemotherapy and gets blood taken for testing. The central line is nicknamed a ‘Mr wiggly’. Her teddy bear also got one. Such a good idea and a great way of normalizing things.

“Her play therapist is going to start a bit of needle phobia work this week as well to hopefully help Elsa panic less about all the procedures that she has in store. With everything else that’s going on we definitely don’t need her worrying and losing sleep as well.

“All joking aside please continue to pray and send positive vibes to my wee sidekick. I have every faith in her but we won’t refuse a bit of help along the way.”

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Team Elsa fund-raising in the community has continued with a coffee morning held on Saturday in Cline Road and the grand total of all fund-raising stands at £14,000.

Speaking about the coffee morning, Leslie posted: “We enjoyed watching the video of the big coffee morning where everyone sang to her, and she was a bit jealous that she didn’t get some of the beautiful unicorn cake. I hear it was a great success and all the credit for that goes to Gillian and the Cline Road Crew. Well done and thank you all.”

A fundraiser for #TeamElsa with live music and disco is being held on Saturday, April 7, tickets for this event are only £10 but they are selling fast.