Rebecca Hopkins: Cobra Kai stars support girl with cancer

Rebecca Hopkins had her world turned upside down when she was diagnosed with leukaemia on October 10, 2020.

It meant losing her long hair to the side effects from treatment after starting chemotherapy at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

But the thing which kept her going through long weeks away from school pals was Cobra Kai - a Netflix sequel to the original Karate Kid movies.

That’s why Rebecca - known as Bex - was delighted when a video chat was fixed up with 21-year-old Xolo Mariduena, who plays Miguel Diaz in the hit series.

The call from California to Scotland was organised by staff at the Les Hoey Dreammaker Foundation, a charity which helps children going through treatment for serious illness to meet their idols.

sisters Emily Brown,6, & Rebecca Hopkins, 9

And the stars of Cobra Kai have kept in touch with Rebecca ever since, cheering her up with messages of support and gifts.

And now Rebecca has been chosen to launch a campaign in Scotland to help save lives.

To mark Childhood Cancer Awareness month this September,  Rebecca is backing TK Maxx’s Give Up Clothes for Good campaign, in support of Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People.

Her family is encouraging the public to donate any pre-loved quality fashion and homeware they no longer need to their nearest TK Maxx store.

When sold in Cancer Research UK shops, each bag of items donated could raise up to £25 to help fund research in to children’s and young people’s cancers.

Rebecca's mum, Claire McKendry, said: “Hearing the words, ‘your child has cancer’ is the worst moment ever.

“I remember I was in shock and struggled to speak. But Bex was brave right from the start.

"She is an absolute delight of a little girl who is loved by everyone.

"We’ve spent a lot of time in hospitals so I’m not surprised that she says she’d like to be a nurse when she grows up.

"She really wants to help other children I think she would be an excellent nurse as she’s so clever and kind.

"We’re counting the weeks now until she can ring the bell next February to mark the end of treatment.

"We’ve got through it thanks to an amazing medical team as well as wonderful smiles and laughter from the talented Cobra Kai stars who have become our friends.”

Girvan Primary pupil Rebecca is now in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer of the white blood cells which help the body to fight infection.

In recognition of the courage she’s shown, she’s received a Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People star award.

Her sister Emily Brown, aged six, also received a certificate. The sisters were nominated for the award by their gran.

Side effects from treatment meant Rebecca Hopkins lost her hair

And Rebecca has wise words for any youngster who has just been diagnosed with cancer.

Rebecca said: “The nurses are really kind. They’ll definitely take care of you and you’ll get better really soon.

"I love Cobra Kai. Xolo who plays Miguel in Cobra Kai sent me a Squish Mallow toy in the post. I really love it.”

Cancer Research UK spokeswoman in Scotland, Lisa Adams, said: “We’re grateful to Rebecca and her mum Claire for their support.

“Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults- from the types of cancer to the impact of treatments and the long-term side effects survivors often experience.

"So it needs more research which campaigns like Give Up Clothes for Good help to fund.

“We want to help ensure more people under the age of 25 in Scotland survive cancer with a good quality of life.

"That’s why we hope as many people as possible will donate quality clothes or goods to their local TK Maxx store.

"Not only could they help to save lives, they’ll also be reducing their environmental impact by giving their pre-loved items another lease of life.”

Find out more at cruk.org/childrenandyoungpeople