Skye Good, a courageous 13-year-old from Hereford, has taken on an impressive challenge to support Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where she has been receiving care since the age of three. Diagnosed with a rare inherited SDHD gene mutation, known as succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit D, Skye faces a lifelong risk of developing uncommon neuroendocrine tumours.
Her mother, Carla Good, explained that the SDHD mutation causes cells to produce incorrect proteins, leading to a condition called hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma syndrome. This condition results in the growth of paragangliomas-tumours located near nerve clusters around the ears, neck, or carotid artery. Although typically non-cancerous, these tumours can grow large or exert pressure on surrounding tissues.
Additionally, Skye’s condition increases the possibility of developing pheochromocytomas, adrenal gland tumours, and carries a small potential risk for other types of cancer. Due to this, she undergoes annual examinations including physical screenings for lumps, regular blood tests, and MRI scans when needed.
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Carla shared the family’s ongoing concerns about new symptoms, saying, “We’re always a bit nervous whenever Skye mentions feeling a lump. But we are reassured by the excellent care she receives at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where regular screening helps detect any issues early. It’s a relief to know she is in safe hands for life.”
Skye acknowledged that her condition sometimes causes her to miss school and social events for medical appointments, yet she emphasised the vital role the hospital plays in her life. “Birmingham Children’s means a lot to me,” she said. “Without their support, I wouldn’t understand my condition as well as I do now.”
To show her gratitude and assist others receiving treatment, Skye challenged herself to climb Mount Snowdon alongside her family. She expressed her motivation: “Having been under their care from such a young age, I wanted to help children with more serious illnesses get the treatment they need, especially since funding can sometimes be limited. I wanted to raise more money to support them.”
A GoFundMe page was set up to accompany Skye’s climb, which she completed on 24 August. So far, her remarkable effort has raised £530 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, showcasing her determination to give back to the community that has supported her throughout her health journey.