A seven-year-old girl has completed her cancer treatment after a two-and-a-half-year treatment journey.

Kayla Hughes was just four years old when she was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Kayla’s mum, Rachel Simpson, said: "It can be such a cruel process and can cause a lot of pain, but Kayla has been positive and upbeat throughout the whole journey.

“She loved going for treatment and could not wait to get to the hospital to see everyone.

“When she finally got to ring the bell, I was just so relieved, but I could not help but feel worried as well.

“We still have to keep watch over the next five years in case of a relapse which is always a concern.”

Kayla spent 30 months undergoing treatment and finally finished her treatment in March last year, thanks to the Children's Cancer team at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

She celebrated the end of her treatment back in March with a cake inspired by her favourite film, Frozen 2, and arrived at the hospital in a princess dress.

But she wanted to wait until Covid restrictions lessened to ring the bell with more people around her. She finally rang the bell on January 5, 2022.

 

Kayla's mum said: “Kayla wanted to wait until restrictions had lifted and more people were back on the wards to celebrate with everyone properly.”

“Throughout the treatment process since her diagnosis, she has thankfully been well with it."

Worcester News: Rachel Simpson, right, and her daughter Kayla Hughes, left.Rachel Simpson, right, and her daughter Kayla Hughes, left.

Children and Young People Oncology Nurse Specialist, Dawn Forbes, said: “We are delighted to hear that Rachel is pleased with the care Kayla has received throughout her treatment.

“It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to care for Kayla and her family.

“We work hard to provide the best care possible, and it is understandably an emotional time for everyone when patients complete their treatment.

“After having to wait for so long, we were delighted for Kayla that she was finally, and officially, able to mark the end of her treatment by ringing the bell with her immediate family present in Children’s Clinic.

“We wish her all the very best for the future and will continue to enjoy seeing Kayla as she attends her routine follow up appointment."

Kayla was first diagnosed with leukaemia in 2018, began treatment on November 5 that year and finished her treatment on March 5 2021.