The family of a two-year-old Anya Bentham are on top of the world today after revealing she has been given the all- clear from cancer.
The brave toddler – who is from Connah’s Quay and now lives in Waverton, Chester – has been battling an advanced form of neuroblastoma.
And the good news was posted last night on the Anya Bentham Appeal Facebook page.
It said: “We have had almost a year of bad and even worse news. We are absolutely overjoyed to tell you that Anya is clear of cancer.
“We feel a complete mix of emotions, but mostly we are so very proud of our beautiful girl.”
Anya’s parents Naomi Stanley and Graeme Bentham set up an appeal to raise the £250,000 they need for pioneering treatment in America – not currently available on the NHS – that could save her daughter’s life.
The fundraising will continue as they know the fight is not yet over. But, for now, they are celebrating ‘a victory’.
The Facebook post continued: “I know most people will hope that this news means Anya can go back to being a normal toddler, but sadly this is not the case.
“You see, neuroblastoma is aggressive and very sneaky. It is quite possible there are still rogue cells in her body that aren’t being picked up by scans and tests, so she will need to have a stem cell transplant (similar process to a bone marrow transplant).
“As the relapse rate is still so high despite a transplant, it is even more critical Anya receives the treatment we are fundraising for, a treatment used routinely in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe.
“This treatment is six months long and is given after her transplant. It will give her body the best chance of fighting the disease should it start to come back.
“There is still a war to fight, but tonight we celebrate a victory, our precious daughter is beating cancer.”
Family friend Dave has organised a fundraising 36-mile bike ride starting the Navy Club in Connah’s Quay at 11am on Saturday.
There will also be an adults party at the Navy Club at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 on the door and there will be a disco, casino, raffle, auction and live music.
