A West Bridgford youngster who was climbing into bed exhausted after school and was diagnosed with leukaemia just hours after arriving at hospital, has been recognised with a special national award.
Emilie Tate, was a healthy and happy seven-year-old enjoying life when she suddenly seemed exhausted in spring of last year. Emilie was coming home from school, climbing into bed and often falling asleep earlier than normal.
When she was covered in bruises and not herself, mum Amy took her to the GP thinking she might be anaemic. The GP immediately suspected Emilie had leukaemia, but didn’t share their worry with Amy.
Now, for the courage she showed throughout her treatment, Emilie has received a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award, in partnership with TK Maxx.
Every child nominated receives the accolade, which is backed by a host of famous faces, including celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, TV personality Dr Ranj and children’s TV favourite Mister Maker.
There is no judging panel because the charity believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition. The awards are open to all children under 18 who live in the UK and have been treated for the disease within the past five years.*
As well as a star shaped trophy, Emilie also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card, t-shirt and a certificate signed by the celebrities. Her four siblings Oscar, Max, Bryleigh and Chloe also received certificates too.
Once Emilie was referred to hospital by the GP, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) within just hours and began an immediate course of chemotherapy.
Emilie was admitted to the Queens Medical Centre where she lived for three weeks starting treatment which made her hair fall out. The centre’s play therapists did a great job at explaining to Emilie that her blood was poorly.
At one point, Emilie suffered a complication during treatment and was admitted to the intensive care unit for four nights after suffering internal bleeding. Amy and family were advised to prepare for the worst and warned they may lose Emilie.
But Emilie bravely fought back and made a good recovery – although she needed to learn to walk again. Emilie is now aged eight and back at West Bridgford Junior School and in the “maintenance” phase of treatment. She visits hospital once a month for intravenous chemotherapy and has daily doses at home administered by her mum or dad.
She is due to complete treatment in July 2024. Mum Amy Green, aged 34, who works for Morrisons, nominated Emilie for the award and said: “Thank goodness our GP knew the signs of childhood cancer. It was a whirlwind of Emilie being tired with bruises to me suddenly being told that she had leukaemia and then she was on a hospital ward receiving chemotherapy treatment just 12 hours later.
“When Emilie was very poorly on the intensive care ward, it was terrifying and we thought we might lose her. But she’s doing great now and living as normal life as possible.”
The Star Awards are run in partnership with TK Maxx, the biggest corporate supporter of Cancer Research UK’s work into children’s and young people’s cancers.
To nominate a star visit cruk.org/starawards