Hundreds of messages help give Norwich girl faith

Faith Constance surrounded by gifts donated by well-wishers as Tokens for Faith to keep her smiling during treatment. Picture: James Bass Photography (Image: (C)James Bass 2016)

Faith Constance, of Appleyard Crescent, Mile Cross, was diagnosed with hodgkin or non-hodgkin lymphoma on December 8, and is awaiting confirmation of which condition she has, following a test on December 20.

Faith has received cards, parcels and messages from people as far away as Loughborough who were touched by her story and wanted to offer their support.

On Wednesday, Faith even had a visit from a group of reindeers.

People became aware of Faith's story after her parents, Ady and Tequila Barnard, and a small group of friends, began a Facebook page, called Thoughts for Faith, to help her through her diagnosis.

Mrs Barnard said: 'We've had over 250 cards, everything from a tiny wishing bell to teddy bears and reindeer showing up in the front garden.'

Faith said: 'I love the fact people have made me cards or gone to the effort of getting me unicorn ones and taking the time to send nice messages to me.

'I would love to be able to thank them all and give them a hug.'

Mrs Barnard said Faith, who wants to be a zoo vet when she is older, was thrilled to have been paid a visit by some of Santa's special friends.

Mrs Barnard said: 'We had a visit from Father Christmas' reindeer yesterday, it was brilliant.

'Faith was really down because for the scan yesterday morning she had to be in a position that really hurt her and she cried all the way through.

'Seeing her face when she saw the reindeer was a picture, it was lovely. 'It was the first time she'd seen one in real life and they were in our front garden.

'She loved it, she loves anything to do with animals so that was brilliant for her.'

Faith has already begun drawing pictures and writing messages to send to people in response to the cards and presents she has received.

Messages from across the country

What did one wall say to the other wall?

I'll meet you in the corner!

What does Miley Cyrus have at Christmas?

Twerky!

What did the cheese say when it looked in the mirror?

Halloumi!

Some terrible jokes, sorry!

So sorry to hear that you are ill: it's going to be a worrying time for you and your family.

Don't hide your feelings behind a brave face … bravery sometimes means saying what's inside, even if you think it will worry who you tell.

I and my family are cheering you on!

The positive responses your story has received on social media and from friends and family show just how much you are truly loved and proof that there are always people who care!

Never give up, always have a smile on your face – and look for the good in things – it is there – I promise!

Of course it is okay to have some not so good days, but you can't enjoy the rainbow without the rain!

Stay positive and best wishes for the future.

When things go wrong as they sometimes will

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill

When funds are low

And debts are high

And you want to smile

But you have to sigh

When care is pressing

You down a bit

Rest, if you must

But don't you quit

We heard that you are pooly and we wanted to send you all our love and strength.

You are beautiful.

You are strong.

And you have the right name to beat this.

Keep reminding your Dad that chocolate is a good medicine, so he gives you lots.

Merry Christmas.

May 2017 be a time for positive thinking. Only when we fill our lives with positive thoughts good things will happen. Your mind is a very powerful thing and I always remember my mum telling me: If you believe you can achieve!

And it is soooooo true!!!

Sending lots of big hugs.

If you would like to send a 'token of kindness' to Faith, the address is: 59 Appleyard Crescent, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 2QW