Life went on hold for five-year-old Nancy when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2023. Since then, this brave little girl has undergone numerous chemotherapy treatments in Birmingham Children’s Hospital and lost her long blond hair, which broke her heart. Nancy was at rock bottom when she received one of Cancer Support UK’s Kid’s Kits. The kit’s contents restored her smile and brought much needed comfort, which is why Nancy is supporting Cancer Support UK’s 2024 Fill a Kit Christmas appeal, which aims to send 500 Kid’s Kits to children with cancer in hospital.
“Cancer is a traumatic experience that affects both a child with cancer and their entire family,” says Cancer Support UK CEO Mark Guymer. “Every year in the UK around 1,900 children will be diagnosed with cancer. Although survival for childhood cancers has increased significantly (1), the long term effects on a childhood cancer survivor can be significant, with the biggest impact on emotional and mental health. This is why Cancer Support UK developed a special cancer kit specifically for use by children in hospital while being treated.
“The Kid’s Kit is sent free of charge and contains toys, socks, a heatable sensory Warmies® cuddly ted and other items to help support the child while they are in hospital. We know from feedback that our Kid’s Kit gives children a huge emotional boost at a time when they are at a low ebb.
“Cancer Support UK relies entirely on public donations for these kits, which is why we are asking as many people as possible to get behind our 2024 Fill a Kit campaign. We want to ensure that every child facing cancer in hospital this Christmas receives a Kid’s Kit. To help children with cancer, like Nancy, people can donate to the campaign by visiting the Fill a Kit page: https://cancersupportuk.org/christmas-kits/ “
Nancy’s cancer story
Nancy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in May 2023 when she was just three years old. An only child, Nancy and her mum Lisa live with grandmother Sandra Hughes. They are extremely close as a family, so Nancy’s cancer diagnosis has affected them all.
Prior to diagnosis, Nancy was really poorly for around three weeks with frequent visits to the family’s GP to try and find out why she was so unwell.
Nancy’s grandmother Sandra recalls:
“We went to the doctor’s seven times and at one point we were told she had hay fever. Then, after a visit to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, she was rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where, after a bone marrow test, we were told Nancy had ALL.
Following diagnosis, the hospital gave Nancy an emergency blood and platelets transfusions. They then started her immediately on chemotherapy, steroids and antibiotics. She was in hospital for almost four weeks, which reduced to weekly visits.
Nancy’s mum Lisa couldn’t believe it when she learnt Nancy had cancer:
“When Nancy was first diagnosed I didn’t want to believe it was true. Our lives changed overnight. She was very poorly, suffering from frequent infections and extremely pale. Until the doctors told me that she had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, I thought perhaps she just needed some iron tablets or vitamins. The hospital started treatment using steroids and chemotherapy straight away. Eventually her hair started to fall out, but for a while she wouldn’t let me cut it off. Finally Nancy allowed me to cut it and was heartbroken. So I cut mine off, too, so she didn’t feel alone.”
“Nancy was so excited to receive her Kid’s Kit from Cancer Support UK – she loved everything in the kit.
She tried the yellow Minion socks on straightaway and they help keep her feet cosy and warm, because chemotherapy makes her feet feel chilly. She adores the warmable bunny, which offers soft comforting cuddles when her tummy aches because of treatment. The yo-yo is also hugely popular – it’s a fun distraction from the tedium of hospital visits. Thank you so much for all her gifts.”
Nancy had her last round of chemotherapy in hospital earlier in the year and is now receiving what’s known as maintenance treatment. But it’s far from plain sailing, as she’s had to endure three lumbar punctures and will continue to receive oral chemo until 2025. The good news is that her hair has begun to grow back and she’s been able to attend school more often.
Sandra says: “Nancy never complains about anything and takes it all in her stride. Despite everything she remains a cheerful and positive little girl.”
Mark Guymer continues:
“We cannot thank Nancy and her family enough for their support. As well as helping us with the Fill a Kit appeal, they have also done separate fundraising. Please take the time to read Nancy’s story and then make a donation to help other children, like Nancy, who could do with a little joy in their lives while going through cancer treatment. Donors can choose to donate either an entire kit or can donate towards individual items in the kit. https://cancersupportuk.org/christmas-kits/
