A RHYL girl who was diagnosed with leukaemia two weeks after her third birthday has been recognised with a special national award.
Felicity Jones was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia during the second lockdown in February 2021.
Her mum, Laura Jones, knew something wasn't right when Felicity came home from nursery and asked if she could go to bed at 2.30pm.
Laura put her in the bath and noticed she had tiny, "biro-sized" marks on her feet.
“Nursery called and asked me to pick Felicity up as her mouth had been bleeding. When we arrived home, she said she wanted to go to bed which wasn’t like her at all," she said.
Laura, 37, called her GP and was told the symptoms sounded viral, but the mum-of-five “just knew” something was wrong.
“If Felicity was my first child, I probably would have just listened to the GP, but something in my gut was telling me she needed to be seen at hospital,” said Laura.
Within a few hours of arriving at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, their lives were turned upside down.
Laura said: “A student nurse who had been working on a children’s cancer ward happened to be in A&E that day. When she saw the marks on Felicity, she asked the doctor to run blood tests as she suspected Felicity had a low blood platelet count.”
The nurse’s suspicions were correct, and Felicity was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia a few hours later.
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a type of blood cancer which is the most common type of leukaemia diagnosed in children.
“Felicity had been happily playing with her dolls a few hours earlier – we just couldn’t believe it,” said Laura.
“Looking back, she had been feeling quite tired, but I put that down to her starting nursery. We never in a million years thought she had cancer.”
Felicity was immediately sent to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool where she started her treatment.
Laura said: “Due to Covid, only one person could be in hospital with her. As I can’t drive, my husband, Shane, had to do the two-hour round trip every day to drop me off and pick me up.”
As a result of all the travelling, Shane, had to give up his job as a plasterer, causing financial pressures for the family.
“It was costing £50 a day in petrol and he couldn’t even come into the hospital due to the restrictions,” said Laura.
Felicity went through chemotherapy, numerous surgeries and lumbar punctures over an 18-month period.
In July 2023, Felicity, now aged five, rang the hospital bell to celebrate finishing treatment.
“She has finished treatment but is still experiencing side-effects like fatigue and muscle aches,” said Laura.
Felicity needs a wheelchair and attends school part time.
Laura said: “Starting school was a big milestone for Felicity. We take one day at a time and it’s so important for her to rest when she needs it.”
Now, for the courage she showed throughout her treatment, Felicity has received a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award. The award is given 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.
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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, Felicity also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card, t-shirt and a certificate signed by the celebrities. Her sisters Fayeth, Temperance, Lily and her younger brother, Harrison, received a certificate too.
Laura, who nominated Felicity for the award said: “As soon as I heard about the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards, I put Felicity forward. We are all so proud of her and she has been through so much.
“She was so pleased with her star award and took into school to show her friends and teachers as well as showing it to her community nurse. She spent the TK Maxx voucher on a princess dress which she loves.”
Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Wales, said: “Felicity 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 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 youngsters may experience serious long-term side effects. That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to ensure more children and young people survive cancer with a good quality of life.
“We’re urging people in Wales to nominate inspirational children like Felicity for a Star Award now, so that many more affected by this devastating disease can receive the acknowledgement they so richly deserve.”
To nominate a star visit cruk.org/starawards
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