More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A brave four-year-old Kent girl is looking forward to her next adventure after she began receiving a potentially life-saving cancer vaccine in the United States.
Nellie-Rose Culleton has been having treatment after she was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a rare disease affecting around 100 UK children each year.
Her family, who moved from Maidstone to Faversham, last year, were hit with the heartbreaking news in March 2020, just two days before the nation was plunged into the first lockdown following the coronavirus outbreak.
But more than £187,000 has now been raised and Nellie-Rose returned from New York on Sunday, after starting on the treatment that could stop the cancer from coming back.
The milestones keep on coming for Nellie-Rose as well.
She will be starting at Sheldwich School, near Faversham, next month - a day after her fifth birthday.
Her mum, Leighann Lynes, said: “Eighteen months ago, we had no idea how she was going to react to all of her treatment and how she was going to do - and whether she would be in remission, let alone whether we would be in America, getting further treatment. So it was very, very good.
“It was nice because we were able to take her to Central Park as well and see her on the swings, playing around.
“To think she will be starting school is such a big relief, and it is such a big milestone for her.
“The support we’ve received has just been incredible. So many people have done so many fundraising activities for us.
“We have made new friends for life and it really restores your faith in humanity.”
With neuroblastoma, there is a high chance the cancer could return in the future, leaving her with around a 10% chance of survival - which is why the family were so keen for the treatment, despite the hefty price tag.
Her next treatment will be next month, with four more trips planned in total.
To raise the final funds Nellie-Rose needs, a charity football match has been arranged by Sean Lynes, Nellie-Rose’s uncle.
It will be held at Maidstone United FC’s Gallagher Stadium on Friday, August 27, kick-off at 8pm.
It will see "Nellie’s Army”, a team of Nellie-Rose’s friends and family, come up against a celebrity side.
Singer James Arthur, YouTuber and entertainer Chunkz, former Premier League footballer Jamie O'Hara and Max Bowden - who plays Ben Mitchell on Eastenders - are all expected to play.
Tickets cost £10 and £7.50 for concessions, although additional online booking fees apply.
For tickets for the game, click here.
To support Nellie-Rose’s campaign, click here.
