Star award for Mollie, who has been so brave
7-YEAR-OLD BATTLING ACUTE LEUKAEMIA
THE mum of a schoolgirl who is battling cancer has told how she is “her brave little star” this Christmas who always has a smile on her face despite undergoing painful treatment.
Seven-year-old Mollie Keoghan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in July after it was initially thought she had growing pains in her legs. But after her mum Lucy took the youngster to hospital they were told the devastating news.
Now plucky Mollie, who is also facing two years of treatment that will not finish until September 2022, has received an award for her bravery in dealing with her illness.
She has been given a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award, in partnership with TK Maxx, to mark how brave she had been during painful treatment that has made her long hair fall out and left her chronically tired.
Proud Mollie, from Tutbury, received the award through the post, just as she was about to start her most intense round of treatment to date. The treatment, at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, involves three different chemotherapy drugs with side effects including sickness and extreme tiredness.
Mum Lucy, who nominated Mollie for the award said: “We can’t believe how strong and brave she’s been throughout it all. She’s a really wise seven-year-old and she always manages to keep a smile on her face even though she knows the treatment is making her sick. She loved her long hair but she’s actually embraced losing it. We’re so proud of her.” Mollie, from Tutbury, was diagnosed at the Royal Derby Hospital in July after her mum took her to A&E with extreme pain in her legs and ribs. “At first we thought it was growing pains but, as it got worse, we made several trips to the GP and to the hospital,” said Lucy. “She had antibiotics which seemed to be working but, by July, the pain had returned and this time it was uncontrollable.
“I had to take her to the hospital by myself because of Covid but it never occurred to me that it would be cancer. Even though I used to work on a children’s ward, nothing prepares you for hearing that kind of news. You never think it will happen to you, so it was just total devastation. One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was ring my husband Mark and tell him our daughter had cancer.
“Getting the award has really meant a lot to Mollie. She was so excited when she opened the parcel that she video-called my mum and sister to show them straight away.
“It’s important because it makes her feel like what she’s been through is significant. To have people like Dr Ranj recognise how brave she’s been means an awful lot.”
There is no judging panel because the charity believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition. The awards are open to all under-18s who have been diagnosed with the disease in the last five years.
As well as a star-shaped trophy, Mollie also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card, T-shirt and a certificate signed by the celebrities. Her brothers Alfie, six, and Teddie, four, received a certificate, too.
Paula Young, a spokesperson for Cancer Research UK, said: “Mollie is a real star who has been through so much at such a young age. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate her extraordinary courage with a Star Award.
“Cancer can have a devastating impact on children and young people and many of those who survive may experience serious long-term side effects from their treatment.
“We’re encouraging people to nominate inspirational youngsters for this year’s Star Awards, so we can recognise more children like Mollie.”
Getting the award has really meant a lot to Molly. She was so excited when she opened the parcel. Mum Lucy