A schoolgirl battling cancer began life-saving treatment today (October 25) after doctors were forced to postpone the treatment earlier this month.
Demi Butler from Ellesmere Port returned to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital yesterday (October 24) where she began chemotherapy this afternoon.
The 11-year-old Church of England Academy pupil was due to begin treatment on October 5, but doctors were forced to postpone it after Demi contracted a virus.
However, despite the setback, Demi is ready to take on nine days of intensive chemotherapy before undergoing a major bone marrow transplant next week if all goes to plan.
For the best chance of survival, Demi was told she requires the transplant to renew the cancerous blood cells throughout her body which could potentially cure the cancer.
Astonishingly, her eight-year-old sister, Ellie Butler, is a match and will begin the process of saving Demi’s life next week.
Ellie will undergo an operation which will involve taking healthy bone marrow from her tissue which will be transferred into Demi’s body.
Demi will be placed in isolation for almost two months while the healthy cells are transferred into her body.
Their uncle, Darren Butler, said the the transplant is the ‘only turning point’ for Demi.
“She’s a lot more confident this time. She’s not as scared as she was before because she knows what to expect.
“She is looking really poorly at the moment but she’s full of confidence.
“I think she just wants to get better now.
“We’re all feeling a bit nervous but really excited at the same time.
“We’re just all hoping Demi accepts the bone marrow transplant. It is the only turning point we’ve got.
“Although she’s quite poorly, she’s still got her humour so I’m hoping she keeps that level of humour along the way.”
A fundraising event was held at the Ellesmere Port Conservative Club on Friday (October 21) for the two sisters which is thought to have raised around £2,000.
The girls have also raised almost £3,000 through their Go Fund Me page which will go towards funding living costs for the family during the treatment plan and a holiday for the girls once their treatment is over.
Darren added: “It was a brilliant turn-out and we raised £700 on the raffle sale alone.
“I want to thank everybody at the Westminster Football Committee for organising the event including my friend Joe Leask.
“The girls have had unbelievable support. We didn't expect it at all.”
A Halloween party will be held at the Holiday Inn, Ellesmere Port, on Thursday (October 27) in aid of the two sisters.
Staff at the Holiday Inn have also held a tombola and have been cycling in the reception area today to raise funds for the girls.
