A toddler whose parents were told she had a virus when she lost the ability to walk later found out she had cancer.
Gracie McHugh and her family’s lives were turned upside down when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the tender age of two.
The youngster from Halifax, West Yorkshire first became unwell and taken to A&E with flu-like symptoms and was later sent home in January 2023.
But when she arrived home her condition quickly deteriorated, losing the ability to walk as well as developing a concerning rash.
Her worried mother Helen Jackson, 39, began to search her daughter’s symptoms online after she began crying out in pain.
When they returned to the hospital, blood test revealed the toddler’s devastating cancer diagnosis leaving her entire family in ‘total shock’.
It was only days before the blood cancer diagnosis that the happy two-year-old had been playing and dancing.
After receiving a blood transfusion, Gracie was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary, where she underwent ten days of intense chemotherapy and steroids and had physiotherapy to learn to walk again.
Her mother Helen said: ‘It was such a dark time when Gracie was diagnosed. Luckily, she was too young to understand what was going on.
Gracie McHugh was only two-years-old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukeamia
Her family were left shocked by her diagnosis as the youngster had been playing and dancing normally only days before
Although it was a ‘dark time’ for the family, mum Helen (pictured) is hopeful the ‘end is in sight’ as Gracie is due to complete her treatment
‘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 family have also been supported by children’s cancer charity Candlelighters, who have been praised by Helen for being a ‘shoulder to cry one’.
The McHugh’s also raised over £7,000 for the charity by running the Manchester Half Marathon in October 2023.
Gracie has since been signed up for a Cancer Research-funded clinical trial called ‘Altogether-1’, which aims to see if changing treatments works better for children and young people with ALL.
Gracie is due to end the maintenance phase of her treatment in March, but was diagnosed with osteopenia -low bone density – in her legs, leaving her legs weakened by the treatment.
The mother-of-four said: ‘The end is in sight now with Gracie’s treatment completing soon and we have so much to look forward to this year.’
As well as a star-shaped trophy, Gracie also received gift card, t-shirt and a certificate signed by celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and TV personality Dr Ranj.
Helen, a child therapist, 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.’
Gracie has since been signed up for a Cancer Research-funded clinical trial called ‘Altogether-1’, which aims to see if changing treatments works better for people with ALL
The McHugh’s also raised over £7,000 for children’s cancer charity Candlelighters by running the Manchester Half Marathon in October 2023
Jane Bullock, a Cancer Research UK spokesperson said: ‘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.
‘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.
‘That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to find new and less toxic ways to beat this devastating disease.
‘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.’
What is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It usually develop quickly, and is most common in children under the age of four. It does not always have a clear cause.
Lymphoblasts are immature white blood cells that develop from blood stem cells in bone marrow. When ALL develops, these cells do not mature properly – instead multiplying rapidly within the marrow, affecting blood production.
Its symptoms are not always obvious and can be similar to other conditions. They include:
- Feeling tired or weak
- Bleeding or bruising easily or for no reason
- Looking more pale than usual
- Getting ill a lot or taking longer than usual to recover from illnesses
- A high temperature
- Swollen glands (usually in the neck, armpits and groin)
- Pain in the bones or joints
- Loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
- Shortness of breath
- A swollen tummy – your tummy may feel painful, uncomfortable or full.
The NHS recommends getting any symptoms checked – because while having them doesn’t mean someone has ALL, an early diagnosis may make the condition easier to treat.
Treatment for ALL starts quickly following a diagnosis and typically involves chemotherapy – but may also call for immunotherapy, or a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.
However, in some cases ALL cannot be cured – at which point palliative care is considered.
A rendering of lymphoblasts (in purple) against regular red blood cells (in red)
