In a heart-wrenching turn of events, four-year-old Gracie McHugh from Halifax, West Yorkshire, who was initially dismissed by doctors as having a virus, was later found to be suffering from cancer after she lost the ability to walk.
Gracie was sent home from A&E in early 2023, but her condition deteriorated, resulting in severe leg pain. Her mother, Helen Jackson, aged 39, alarmed by her daughter’s pallor and cries of pain, took to researching symptoms online.
Determined to get to the bottom of her daughter’s distress, Helen rushed Gracie back to the hospital where further tests revealed a devastating diagnosis: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a form of blood cancer originating from white blood cells.
Following an urgent blood transfusion, Gracie received life-saving care at Leeds General Infirmary. There, she bravely faced ten days of intense chemotherapy and steroids in 2023.
She also embarked on physiotherapy, relearning the simple yet monumental task of walking. Reflecting on those harrowing days, mum Helen shared: “It was such a dark time when Gracie was diagnosed. Luckily, she was too young to understand what was going on.
“But it was a difficult time for her brothers who had so much to deal with because we had to keep leaving them with other family members while we were at hospital.”
The young fighter was enrolled in the Cancer Research-funded clinical trial christened “Altogether-1”, assessing the potential benefits of modified treatment strategies for children and young people with ALL.
Sadly, the aggressive treatment has left its mark, with Gracie developing osteopenia – a weakening of the bones – in her legs. Nevertheless, the resilient girl and her family see a light at the end of the tunnel, with the maintenance phase of her treatment due to conclude in March.
Helen, who is herself a mum-of-four, expressed relief and cautious optimism: “The end is in sight now with Gracie’s treatment completing soon and we have so much to look forward to this year.”
Gracie, who received not just a star-shaped trophy, but also a gift card, T-shirt and a certificate signed by none other than celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and TV personality Dr Ranj.
Child therapist Helen added: “Cancer Research UK is such a fantastic charity to recognise these amazing and courageous children and to help fund the clinical trial Gracie has been on.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Gracie receiving a star award as she’s been so incredibly brave throughout all of her treatment.”
Jane Bullock, speaking for Cancer Research UK, highlighted: “A cancer diagnosis is heartbreaking at any age, but it can be especially hard for youngsters.
“Gracie is a real star who has been through so much at such a young age and it has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate her courage with a Star Award.”
She further explained the unique nature of childhood cancer: “Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment – and many may experience serious long-term side effects.”
With a hopeful outlook, she affirmed: “That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to find new and less toxic ways to beat this devastating disease.”
Jane Bullock then made an appeal to the local community: “We’re urging people in West Yorkshire to nominate inspirational children like Gracie for a Star Award now, so that many more can receive the acknowledgement they so richly deserve.”