A two-year-girl battling a rare form of cancer is a step closer to overcoming the disease after a successful round of treatment.
Isla Caton, of Benets Road, Hornchurch, is recovering at home after receiving high dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for stage four neuroblastoma.
The debilitating cancer had spread to 95 per cent of Isla’s body but is now gone apart from the original tumour.
GOSH staff have even given the tot the nickname “Isla the machine” as she left hospital so quickly following her latest treatment.
Delighted mum Nicola Caton said: “Isla is doing brilliantly, now her hair will start to grow back.”
She added: “She has obviously got a long way to go. We do not want to get too excited.
“She will need a big operation coming up but we are really happy with how things are going.”
The family hope that following a procedure on October 3 to remove her tumour, Isla can start immunotherapy in the United States to prevent the cancer returning.
The therapy, which helps to repair the immune system, is not available on the NHS so Isla’s parents need to raise £192,000 to cover all the costs including flights and accommodation.
Generous donors, including the Recorder’s readers, have so far helped to raise more than £32,000 from Justgiving donations and fundraising events.
Kerry Mead-Farmer and Angie Reynolds of The Playground Softplay Café in Mungo Park Road, Hornchurch, read about Isla’s plight and put on a fun day to show their support.
Kerry said: “We have got children ourselves. I cannot imagine how the parents feel and I can’t imagine being in that position myself.”
They raised £1,153 in total at the event in July featuring singers, facepainters and a visit from a princess.
More fundraisers are being planned including a fun night for 500 people at the Roundhouse in Dagenham on November 25.
It will be hosted by TV presenter Jeff Brazier and EastEnders actors Jamie Borthwick (Jay Brown) and Harry Reid (Ben Mitchell).
Tickets cost £15, 30 spaces left. Visit teamisla.co.uk or donate here
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