Brave Hartlepool youngster wins her battle with cancer

A brave Hartlepool youngster has beaten her battle with cancer.
Elly Mae Waugh (12) holding a framed photograph of herself when she was unwell. Picture by FRANK REIDElly Mae Waugh (12) holding a framed photograph of herself when she was unwell. Picture by FRANK REID
Elly Mae Waugh (12) holding a framed photograph of herself when she was unwell. Picture by FRANK REID

Elly Mae Waugh has inspired everyone with her courage over a two-year fight against acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

But, this week the 12-year-old got to ring the bell at the RVI hospital in Newcastle to signal her treatment is finally at an end and she is in remission.

Elly Mae Waugh in her hospital bed.Elly Mae Waugh in her hospital bed.
Elly Mae Waugh in her hospital bed.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dad, Dean Waugh, said it was a hugely emotional day to come to the end of a journey no family ever wants to go on.

The 48-year-old said: “I probably cried more the night before than I have done throughout the whole thing. Thinking about everything that has happened.

“It has been the longest 29 months, but well worth it.”

Now, he and his partner, Elly Mae’s mum, Diane Metcalfe, hope the happy outcome for their child will give hope and inspiration to other families going through the same thing.

Elly Mae Waugh (12) with her dad Dean (48). Picture by FRANK REIDElly Mae Waugh (12) with her dad Dean (48). Picture by FRANK REID
Elly Mae Waugh (12) with her dad Dean (48). Picture by FRANK REID

The Dyke House School pupil’s parents first noticed red spots and bruises on her shortly before her 10th birthday and took her to the doctors, tests confirmed ALL, which is a cancer of the white blood cells.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dean, who lives in Jones Road, said: “To be honest when you first hear the word cancer you just think its the end, your whole world collapses.

“But, when you start to learn more about it and you see the other children, it lifts a little bit of weight off you.

“There are some really bad days, but there are some good days as well, which give you that bit of extra hope. You just have to keep fighting and stay positive.

Elly Mae Waugh keeping her spirits up.Elly Mae Waugh keeping her spirits up.
Elly Mae Waugh keeping her spirits up.

“We know we are one of the lucky families.”

He said throughout the whole ordeal Elly Mae has kept a smile on her face and a determination to plough on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dean said: “She has been brilliant from day one, we are so proud of her and the fight she has put up.

“The bravery and the courage of all the children is amazing. When you see what they have to go through with the treatment, it is horrendous and somehow they just keep their chins up and deal with it.”

In the pink - Elly Mae Waugh sharing her hospital bed with a new toy.In the pink - Elly Mae Waugh sharing her hospital bed with a new toy.
In the pink - Elly Mae Waugh sharing her hospital bed with a new toy.

He said he can’t thank everyone enough for all the support given to the family throughout Elly Mae’s illness, but especially the dedication of the staff at the RVI.

Dean said: “They are absolutely fantastic, I can’t put it into words to be honest.

“From the moment of selecting the treatment right through to the end I couldn’t fault them, they are the best in the world.”