'There are days you would have no idea she’s even battling a life-threatening illness'

An East Lothian mum says her daughter spends so much time in hospital being treated for a rare type of cancer they treat staff and fellow patients like family and friends.

Three-year-old Flora Gentleman, from Aberlady, has already undergone eight rounds of chemotherapy and seven-hours of surgery after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma in April last year.

And soon she'll begin six months of immunotherapy.

But mum, Stephanie, longs for the day the toddler, who's also been diagnosed with autism and is non-verbal, can attend nursery.

Together with Flora's dad Jamie, who hails from Hawick, they're trying to raise £350,000 to allow her to receive further treatment in America, which isn't available on the NHS - but could reduce the risk of a relapse.

"To say that Flora has been dealt a difficult start in life, is an understatement," Stephanie said. "Despite the challenges she faces, she is the happiest and most affectionate little girl!

"There are days you would have no idea she’s even battling a life-threatening illness. But there are also days where Flora is incredibly ill and, as parents, it is frightening and heartbreaking to witness.

"Flora has already undergone 8 rounds of chemo, a 7 hour surgery to remove her tumour, high dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant that saw her in isolation for six weeks over her third birthday, and three weeks of radiotherapy.

"Shortly, she will begin 6 months of immunotherapy, and this is where her NHS treatment will end. 

"But Neuroblastoma has a wicked way of working and despite the gruelling treatment, 50% of children with Neuroblastoma will relapse.

"If everything goes to plan with Flora's NHS treatment and we can get her into remission by the end of the next six months, there's a five-year vaccine trial in New York and it aims to keep the cancer away.

"The problem with neuroblastoma is it has a really high relapse rate and, if you get it again, your treatment options are limited."

The family issued a Christmas appeal that saw donations soar by almost £10,000 in one weekend.

Stephanie, originally from Glasgow, insists 'every little helps' and asks those who can't afford to donate, share their appeal on social media.

Almost £100,000 has already been raised - but she says time's running out to meet their target by August.

Stephanie said: "Every milestone, every £10,000 that we make, we’re just overwhelmed. We even get letters through the post and cards with donations.

"The past eight months, as much as it has showed us trauma and the most horrific pain and fear that I’ve ever felt, it’s also showed us how generous people are, it means so much to us."

She added: "We’d hate people to think they need to a huge amount to make a difference, even just £2 it all adds up, and even if you can’t afford to donate, just sharing our appeal helps."

You can donate to Flora's fundraiser here.

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