Parents of brave little girl battling aggressive form of cancer are hopeful up after she completes her treatment

Five-year-old Iris Mai was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in June 2019 turning the world of her parents Mark and Lauren Carter upside down.

Mark and Lauren took her to hospital for tests when she developed symptoms including yellowing of the eyes, lethargy and a lump in her neck.

Within a whirlwind few days their worst fears were confirmed and it was discovered Iris Mai had tumours in her neck, chest and abdomen and in her bones and marrow.

She has battled bravely through several rounds of chemotherapy and has just finished immunotherapy treatment which she started in February.

That involved being on a drip for 10 days at a time and taking numerous tablets at home.

Tests during Iris Mai’s treatment have proved hopeful so far.

Dad Mark, 38, originally from Wingate, said: “After each scan and bone marrow taken there is no evidence of cancer, so we’re hopeful that has continued since and we will get the same news in a few weeks time and she can ring the bell.

"It's also one of the worst cancers for relapses so we're mindful of that.

"She has been brilliant with a smile on her face throughout it all.”Generous friends and supporters have raised over £7,500 for Iris Mail’s daily needs and her future rehabilitation.

Mark and Iris Mai recently visited Wellfield School in Wingate to receive £700 pupils raised from a non-uniform day.

Mark, now of Bishopton, near Stockton, said: “They heard about Iris Mai and like to raise money for local people.

"It means a lot. It will help us to be able to do things with her when she has finished her treatment.”

The family, including sisters Isabelle, 13, Lilly, 11, and three-year-old Ava, have spent much of the last few months on lockdown at home.

HGV driver Mark created a Facebook page Iris Mai's battle called Iris Mai's Journey to share her story and raise awareness of neuroblastoma.

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so at Iris Mai Against Neuroblastoma on gofundme.com

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