Heartache for family of brave youngster after cancer returns
A brave youngster has suffered a setback in her battle against a rare type of cancer after tests showed the disease had returned.
Eight-year old Isabella Lyttle, from Walsall, is now undergoing the first phase of chemotherapy at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
Her family say they are 'positive and hopeful' despite the devastating diagnosis.
Isabella took part in an immunotherapy trial to help her fight the cancer known as neuroblastoma when she was just three.
Isabella, a pupil at St Francis Catholic Primary School in Shelfield, was diagnosed with the disease in October 2010 after complaining of a pain in her hip.
She was given just a 40 per cent chance of survival but beat the odds to recover after undergoing nine hours of surgery to remove a tumour, followed by a stem cell transplant, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
However, the 'gorgeous, bright and cheerful' young girl re-lapsed in October and is now currently undergoing the first phase of chemotherapy following her diagnosis, as part of a six month clinical trial.
Her mother, Jennie Dalton, said: "For me and Isabella's father, the news she had relapsed was just devastating.
"We had all been through so much and thought it had all been put in the past.
"She has her good days and her bad days but we remain positive and hopeful.
"She is in the best possible hands at Birmingham Children's Hospital, we couldn't ask for better care than what she is currently getting.
"Her school have been so helpful to us too."
A special concert featuring one of the most popular tribute acts in the world has been organised by Suzanne Charles, a teacher at Isabella's school, St Francis Catholic Primary in Shelfied, to raise money for trips and days out for Isabella and her family.
The Bootleg Beatles have agreed to perform at the Lichfield Garrick to help raise the money.
Suzanne said: "Isabella is a gorgeous, bright and cheerful eight-year-old.
"The school have held several events including a Christmas jumper day, to raise money towards hopefully taking Isabella to Lourdes and for other special treats with her family.
"In an attempt to raise more money I decided to organise a larger scale event and The Bootleg Beatles, the world renowned Beatles Tribute band, have very generously agreed to hold a special concert in aid of Isabella."
"We are hoping to sell-out and make as much money as possible.
The show will take place on January 14, with tickets costing £21.50 on sale now.
To purchase tickets, visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com or call 01543 412121.
