Our world came crashing down!

Ava's story – written by her mum, Nicola: 

“We initially didn’t worry when Ava started feeling unwell in June 2025, as we put her lethargy down to tiredness following her school’s residential trip. However, upon becoming pale and breathless, we took her to the doctor who sat us down and told us it was likely Ava had cancer. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, how could my daughter be diagnosed with cancer before doing any tests? We were sent straight to the RD&E hospital where Ava had blood tests whilst my husband and I sat awake all night hoping and praying they had got it wrong. However, the following day our world came crashing down as Ava was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Ava was initially sent to Bristol Children’s Hospital by ambulance to begin intensive chemotherapy. She had a fungal infection from her mouth to her gut which she couldn’t fight due to being immunosuppressed and the steroids she was given made her very poorly. Ava then unfortunately developed fluid on her lungs and her breathing deteriorated so she spent seven weeks in intensive care fighting for her life, where she contracted sepsis and pneumonia on top of what she was already dealing with.

Ava’s chemotherapy and steroids were stopped, and we were told that an immunotherapy drug was a last resort to fight the leukaemia. Thankfully it worked and on 13th August the consultants told us that Ava was in remission. 

Upon returning home, ELF provided us with a financial grant and gift vouchers at Christmas, which really did help as we’d had to give up work to care for Ava.

Ava has since gone from strength to strength and is back at school pretty much full time. She is walking again, although she needs to build back her stamina as she fatigues quickly, and is enjoying horse riding and all the things she used to love. Ava's treatment is due to end in August; it’s been such a tough journey and one that no family should ever have to go through! 

We are very grateful to ELF for helping our family throughout Ava’s life changing diagnosis and we will continue to raise awareness and support this amazing local charity. “