Look at the amazing birthday surprise which was laid on for a brave Hartlepool girl with leukaemia

A brave Hartlepool girl has been given the birthday of her dreams as she continues her fight with leukaemia.
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Keisha Watson celebrated her 10th birthday with a ride in a horse and carriage leaving from her home, and with princesses there to make her day even more amazing.

She was given a pamper session for her hair, make-up and nails. And once the carriage ride was over, there was a disco and tea party waiting for Keisha to enjoy in her back garden.

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And what was equally amazing was that nearly all of it was lined up by the incredible people of the North East after an appeal on social media.

Keisha Watson in the carriage with her mum Natalie.Keisha Watson in the carriage with her mum Natalie.
Keisha Watson in the carriage with her mum Natalie.

Keisha was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was five. She had to attend hospital 35 times a year for chemotherapy in her legs and stomach, and for bone marrow lumbar punctures.

She received a bone marrow transplant around two years ago and will return to the Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital in Newcastle for a second transplant soon after her birthday is over.

She was first given a princess day to remember in 2015, with the help of Hartlepool charity Miles for Men.

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Back then, there were cakes, balloons with a Frozen theme, a bouncy castle, cupcakes and a horse and carriage.

Keisha Watson with Princess Elisha (Claire Dolan) and Peppa Pig. Picture by Frank ReidKeisha Watson with Princess Elisha (Claire Dolan) and Peppa Pig. Picture by Frank Reid
Keisha Watson with Princess Elisha (Claire Dolan) and Peppa Pig. Picture by Frank Reid

But when she was going through the photos recently with mum Natalie Watson, 35, Keisha had no memories of the day at all.

Natalie said: “I was showing her pictures from her first princess day and she said ‘I can't remember this’. I said: ‘I will try and jog your memory.”

Natalie put a post on Facebook to ask if anyone would help to organise a princess day for Keisha’s 10th birthday and the social media reaction was amazing.

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Natalie said: “Everyone started responding. One woman bought her a princess dress, another bought her shoes. It started off as a little status on Facebook and it got shared and shared.

Princess Elisa (Claire Dolan) in the carriage with family members. Picture by Frank ReidPrincess Elisa (Claire Dolan) in the carriage with family members. Picture by Frank Reid
Princess Elisa (Claire Dolan) in the carriage with family members. Picture by Frank Reid

“There were people from all over the North East responding.

“I was shocked. I just thought it would be a small thing but it has become all of this. People have been amazing for Keisha.”

It all meant that there would be surprises galore for Keisha on her big day including princesses at her party.

She got to enjoy an amazing day and among those who helped her celebrate were mum Natalie, dad Ryan Young, 28, and siblings Kain Watson, 14, Scarlett Watson, 4, Bella Watson, who is almost two years old, and Ryan Watson, aged one.

Keisha Watson pictured on her birthday.Keisha Watson pictured on her birthday.
Keisha Watson pictured on her birthday.
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Natalie praised her daughter as ‘a little fighter. She has fought and fought and fought. She has had chemo, radiotherapy, stem cell top-up.”

Miles for Men founder Micky Day said: “We have been in touch with the family for nearly six years and Keisha is an absolute winner. Nothing fazes her.”

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Princess Elisa (Claire Dolan) is pictured entertaining children. Picture by Frank ReidPrincess Elisa (Claire Dolan) is pictured entertaining children. Picture by Frank Reid
Princess Elisa (Claire Dolan) is pictured entertaining children. Picture by Frank Reid

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