VIP treat for cancer survivor

Courageous school girl Alyssa Davies, aged 11, who has been treated for cancer, shines at the Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards party held in partnership with TK Maxx at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London on Tuesday 10 July 2018.

Alyssa Davies, 11, was a guest of honour at the Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Star Awards party, held in partnership with TK Maxx in central London.

Alyssa joined 20 children and young people from across the UK who were given VIP treatment during the action-packed day to celebrate their strength and how far they have come since their diagnoses.

They took to a personalised ‘Walk of Fame’ with their names in stars and enjoyed activities including a magician’s workshop and acrobatic skills training.

The afternoon also saw a special performance by CBeebies presenter Cat Sandion, before Alyssa and the children hit the stage to showcase some of their own talents.

Alyssa was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in March 2014. She had been poorly, including extreme fatigue, swollen eyelids and backache.

Doctors initially suggested she may have tonsillitis or mumps, but when her symptoms continued, mum Angela Davies took her back to the GP as she feared it could be something more serious.

Alyssa was eventually referred to Preston Royal Hospital where doctors immediately suspected leukaemia. She needed a platelet transfusion before being transferred to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where the leukaemia diagnosis was confirmed.

She spent the next six months receiving intense chemotherapy treatment, a lumbar puncture and was given steroids.

Following the intense bout of chemotherapy, Alyssa continued to receive “maintenance” treatment for 18 months.

Alyssa celebrated one year clear of being treated for cancer in 2017 .

Mum Angela said: “Alyssa proved to be a fighter and made everyone in the family very proud.

“The party was a wonderful chance to get together with other families who have faced the same ordeal and celebrate all the children’s courage.”

Alyssa would like to be a nurse and said: “When I grow up I want to be a nurse so that I can help other children. I hope that by then, things will be different for children with cancer. And that they won’t have treatment that tastes so yucky.”