Toddler will spend first Christmas without leukaemia at home

At just five months old, Aila was diagnosed with leukaemia and immediately started an intense course of chemotherapy in July 2022.

She lived at Southampton Children’s Hospital for six months straight with her mum and dad, and her final cancer treatment was on Christmas Day last year.

READ MORE: Southampton boy diagnosed with leukaemia after never-ending cold

The family has told of being absolutely devastated with the diagnosis, watching their little girl fighting for her life.

Her first Christmas was spent in hospital away from home, friends and family.

Roisin Butler, Aila’s mum, said: “I was really upset about having to spend her first Christmas in hospital. It’s just not what I planned - no mum wants to spend, what should be wonderful memories, with their child in hospital."

It was not the first Christmas new parents imagine, but they still managed to create special memories thanks to Starlight, the UK’s leading charity for children’s play in hospitals and hospices.

Starlight provides play resources and gifts for children in hospital over Christmas.

Aila was visited by Father Christmas on Christmas Day, who delivered lots of presents, and the hospital play team made a real effort to put a smile on her face.

Roisin continued: “When it came to it, Starlight helped make it such a magical day with all her presents that we all had a lovely day to remember."

This year, Aila will finally get to celebrate at home, and on Christmas Day she will officially be one year in remission.

“We feel very lucky to be able to wake up this Christmas morning with our daughter in her own bed.

“Her dad and I have just bought her a toy kitchen and can’t wait for her to play with it as it was her favourite toy on the ward.

“We have so much planned for December already, including seeing the Christmas lights and lots of fun activities with her cousins and friends.”

This comes as Starlight has appealed for donations to make this Christmas special for other children going through cancer.

Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of Starlight, said: “Over 100,000 children across the UK will spend the festive period in hospital, feeling scared and missing out on Christmas celebrations.

“At Starlight, we know that play has the power to reduce fear and relieve trauma, so we want to make sure children in hospital have the opportunity to play this Christmas.”

Find out more at starlight.org.uk