A distraught mum is warning parents to trust their gut instinct after her four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Jessica Griffiths told the Standard her “heart has been shattered into a million pieces” after the shock news.
But she’s determined to keep strong for little Halle while she undergoes chemotherapy treatment. The youngster was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia the day after she started P1 at Wallace Hall Primary in Thornhill.
Jessica, 34, said: “Monday, August 22 was supposed to be a happy day for Halle’s first day at big school, but it ended with absolute heartbreak for us all.”
Jessica had taken Halle back and forth to the doctors over a six-week period with a gut feeling that something was wrong.
She said: “Since June, she seemed to be quieter than usual and wasn’t eating the same.
“She started limping and kept dropping to the floor because she couldn’t walk.
“I took her to the doctors numerous times but started to feel silly because I was told she was fine and there was nothing wrong with her.
“I’d checked the NHS symptom checker online and everything pointed to blood cancer or leukaemia but I started to feel like I was an overprotective mum.”
When Jessica picked Halle up after her first day at school, a teacher took her to the side and said the youngster didn’t seem right – she couldn’t walk and wasn’t a good colour.
After taking Halle back to the doctor that day, she decided to then take her to Dumfries Infirmary the following day.
Blood tests were taken and soon after, Jessica was told the diagnosis and that Halle would be immediately transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, where she remains.
Jessica said: “My mother’s instinct was right. Halle has been in Glasgow since that day and has started chemotherapy.
“We will live here at the hospital for the next six months while she undergoes treatment, which will last a total of two and a half years. She’s had a bone marrow biopsy and has another planned for next week. She’s responding well to the chemotherapy so far, and although it’s early days, doctors say she is on the right track.
“Right now we are just trying to keep Halle happy and comfy and trying our hardest to stay strong.”
Jessica’s partner Matthew has remained at their home in Keir Mill with their other daughter Amelia, aged five.
Her brother Rob has set up a fundraising page to help the family with living and travel expenses while Halle is in hospital.
Jessica said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to my brother’s donation page.
“It’s overwhelming how much support Halle has received.”
To make a donation, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/z9gjg9-help-for-halle
