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Medway Maritime Hospital cancer patient, 6, from Chatham, celebrates end-of-treatment with toys donated to children’s ward on her behalf

A six-year-old cancer patient is celebrating the end of her chemotherapy treatment ahead of Christmas.

Amelia O’Shea marked the moment by playing with toys donated on her behalf to the children’s ward at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham.

Amelia rang the end-of-treatment bell in front of her family
Amelia rang the end-of-treatment bell in front of her family

Amelia was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour, a type of kidney cancer, in September.

But this month the Chatham resident was able to ring the end-of-treatment bell.

She also played with toys bought by The Medway Hospital Charity for the playroom on Dolphin Ward.

The donation was made after her cousin, Arlo Smeed from Maidstone, launched a campaign which raised £3,000 after finding out about Amelia’s diagnosis.

His mum Rebecca Thompson said: “When I explained that she was in hospital and we would be going to visit her we spoke about how sad it was and how we felt like we wanted to do something.

Arlo sold his toys to fundraise
Arlo sold his toys to fundraise

“Arlo loves a boot fair so he decided he wanted to sell his toys to his friends to raise money to buy new toys for the playroom on the ward to help other children who might find themselves in a similar position to our family.”

The East Farleigh primary pupil held several boot fairs at school and as more people heard about the appeal a JustGiving page was created.

The money raised has been used to pay for a PS4, a goalpost, sensory toys, projectors and arts and crafts.

Amelia’s mum Erin Thompson said: “We were devastated when Amelia was diagnosed with cancer because she has always been healthy.”

From left to right: Play Assistant Sam Goggins, Arlo, Amelia, and Charity and Fundraising Manager, Donna Law
From left to right: Play Assistant Sam Goggins, Arlo, Amelia, and Charity and Fundraising Manager, Donna Law

“She’s been so brave throughout it all so to see her ring the end-of-treatment bell before Christmas and the new toys that have been bought for the playroom is fantastic.

“We’re so proud of Arlo for starting the fundraiser.”

Charity and fundraising manager for The Medway Hospital Charity, Donna Law said she was thankful to the family for the donation.

“It means our young patients, as well as their families, have more activities while they are staying on the ward and if a poorly child is engaged in play they get better and leave the hospital quicker and that can only be a good thing.”

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