Isabelle’s inspiring ‘never give up’ spirit

Isabelle’s loved Scouts ever since she joined Beavers aged 6. In October 2021, aged 11, she was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

While having treatment for her illness, Isabelle took a few months out of Scouts. Even though she couldn’t go to her usual sessions, she was keen to stay involved.

Her Scout leader gave her a box of activities so she could keep up with her badges in hospital. On the days she felt well enough, Isabelle even carried on practising ballet by her hospital bed.

Her attitude has been amazing, and she’s stayed positive throughout. Her group were delighted to welcome her back in May 2022, and in June 2022, she resumed her Sea Scout water activities. Her ‘never give up’ spirit is truly inspiring.

We chatted with Isabelle to find out more about her story.

Hi, Isabelle. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Isabelle, I’m 12 years old and I live in Manchester. I’ve been dancing since I was three and I started Beavers when I was six. I’m now in Sea Scouts and I love it.

What motivated you to stay involved in Scouts and ballet while you were in hospital? 

I enjoy Scouts and ballet so much, so I wanted to keep up with them both. It helped me when I was in hospital to keep doing things I’d usually do and kept me feeling happy.

How were you able to stay involved in Scouts?

My leader sent me a box full of activities, so I could keep working towards my badges. In between treatment, when I was feeling well enough, I could join in with activities at our meeting place, as well as the water activities.

My group were very supportive, and they helped me do as much as I possibly could. My younger brother goes to Cubs each week, so my group kept in touch with me through him. He’d come back with lots of news from them and he could tell them how I was getting on.

Was doing ballet in hospital different to your usual practice? Was anything harder or easier?

It was very different. Not having my teachers there made it harder, because they couldn’t tell me if I was doing everything correctly. I had to spot my own mistakes and correct them. My teachers sent me videos of exercises for me to copy, so that was helpful.

Some of my treatment meant I lost most of my muscle. At one point, I couldn’t move, and I had to learn to walk again. I still get very tired after any exercise, but I’m getting fitter every day. When I was well enough, doing ballet stretches helped my legs.

It was sad not to have my friends there to encourage me and make it more fun, but I got to focus on what I needed help with.

I’ve not been able to go back to ballet class yet, because of my treatment and having more stays in hospital. I’m still trying to practice as much as I can on my own, though.

How did you stay so positive?

It was hard to be positive all the time, but kind messages from my family, friends and Scout group really helped.

You had a warm welcome back to your group this year. What’s your favourite thing about being back at Scouts?

Seeing all my friends and volunteers again. They kept in touch while I was in hospital, so I was very happy to see them again in person.  

This year, I was able to go canoeing and to the opening game of the Women’s Euros with my Scout and Sea Scout groups. I also took part in the Chorlton Remembrance Day parade last month.

What would you like to achieve next in ballet?

I’m excited to try out my pointe shoes again. I got them just before I was diagnosed, so I can’t wait to improve in those.

What would you say to someone who may be going through the same or a similar experience?

It’s hard, but you’ll get there. The days can seem very long, so try and keep up with your hobbies if you can. It’s important to have activities to do each day, and to keep in touch with family and friends.

Is there anyone who inspires you?

My parents. They’re so supportive and they’re always there for me. They help with Scouts and enjoy sports, so when I see them happy because of that, it encourages me to take part.

We’re so inspired by you, Isabelle. Well done for never giving up, putting on a brave face every day, and for becoming one of Chief Scout Bear Grylls’ Unsung Heroes this year. We hope you can break in your pointe shoes very soon and carry on enjoying Scouts.