A 16-year-old girl from Culcheth died from a second, aggressive form of cancer that developed as a rare complication of the essential medical treatment she received for an earlier cancer, an inquest has concluded. Faith Shone passed away at home surrounded by her family after battling two separate cancers in three years.
Despite her illness, the determined teenager completed her GCSE exams while in hospital, attended her school prom, and pursued her passion for art. Her family described her as a "strong young lady" who "fought everything to the very end."
Key Takeaways
- Faith Shone, 16, died from acute myeloid leukaemia on January 7.
- An inquest concluded the leukaemia was a rare complication of treatment for synovial sarcoma, which she was diagnosed with at 13.
- Coroner David Lewis ruled her death was the result of a "recognised complication of essential medical treatment."
- Despite her diagnosis, Faith completed her GCSEs, attended her prom, and dreamed of becoming a tattoo artist.
A Courageous Battle with Two Cancers
Faith Shone's health challenges began at the age of 13 when she was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma after discovering a lump on her thigh. She underwent a rigorous treatment plan that included intensive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery to remove the tumour.
In June 2022, her family received the positive news that she was given the "all clear" at Alder Hey Children's Hospital. However, by late 2023 and early 2024, new symptoms emerged. Faith began to experience significant fatigue and unexplained bruising, prompting further medical investigation.
In April 2024, blood and bone marrow tests delivered a devastating second diagnosis: acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an aggressive cancer affecting blood cells. Faith passed away at her home in Culcheth on January 7 of this year, with her family by her side.
A Determined and Artistic Spirit
Throughout her illness, Faith demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Her stepmum, Natalie Toner, remembered her as a vibrant and adventurous person who faced her challenges without fear.
"She was crazy, fun, adventurous. She battled things head on. It never fazed her. She took everything on the chin and did everything she needed to do. If you came across her without knowing she had a form of cancer, you would never have known there was anything wrong," Natalie said.
A talented artist, Faith aspired to become a tattoo artist and created her own unique designs, often featuring skulls, snakes, and scorpions. Her family noted her passion for dark and intricate art. "She was a fantastic artist... She even got to tattoo a few people before she died," Natalie added.
Key Milestones Achieved
- Completed her GCSE exams while receiving hospital treatment.
- Attended her school prom, an event she was determined not to miss.
- Enrolled as an art student at St John Rigby College in Wigan.
- Enjoyed a final game of golf with her father.
Faith, a former pupil at Culcheth High School, refused to let her condition define her life. She was set on achieving her goals, including her education and key teenage experiences.
"She wanted to go to prom, she went to prom. She wanted to get her GSCEs and she did that too," Natalie explained. "The hospital was very much thinking she was going to spend all her time in bed. But she went prom dress shopping with her stepsister. They bought their dresses together and she even managed to see her stepsister's prom."
Inquest Findings on Treatment Complications
An inquest held in Liverpool this week examined the circumstances surrounding Faith's death. The hearing was told that the acute myeloid leukaemia was, on the balance of probabilities, a consequence of the treatment she had received for the initial synovial sarcoma.
Medical professionals described this as a rare but "known risk" associated with some forms of cancer therapy.
Coroner David Lewis delivered a narrative conclusion, stating: "It's clear to me, from the evidence I have heard, that this is a recognised complication of medical treatment that Faith had received. So my conclusion is she died as a result of a recognised complication of essential medical treatment."
Clinical Trial Ineligibility
The inquest also heard that Faith's parents had sought to enrol her in a clinical trial for stem cell and CAR-T therapies in London. However, she was deemed "too old" as the trial was only available for patients under the age of 16. Dr. Kat Lindsay, a doctor from Alder Hey Children's Hospital, informed the family that, tragically, the trial had not proven successful for the children who were enrolled, all of whom had since passed away.
Dr. Lindsay expressed a desire for improved access to clinical trials for young adults in the UK. "I would love to see more trials for young adults in this country," she told the inquest.
A Lasting Legacy of Strength
Faith's family is now navigating the profound loss while focusing on her younger sisters. Natalie Toner spoke of the difficulty of their grief and the importance of honouring Faith's approach to life.
"It has been very difficult. It has been tough on everybody. There's no right or wrong way of dealing with it," she said. "There's her younger sisters to think of, and they have to try and get on with their lives, and we have to teach them to do what they want to do and take every opportunity."
Remembering her stepdaughter's spirit, Natalie concluded: "Faith was a fantastic girl, and fought everything to the very end. She was quite a strong young lady."