A TEENAGER has been treated to a party of a lifetime to celebrate finishing her treatment for an aggressive form of cancer.
Emily Callander had to undergo gruelling, life-saving, chemotherapy, which meant she spent a lot of time in hospital away from friends and family.
Now the 13-year-old, from Middlesbrough, has enjoyed a fantastic party with her friends and family after her treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma finally came to an end.
She was diagnosed with the aggressive form of the cancer in February 2008, when she was just six years old, and thanks to Ray of Sunshine, a children’s charity which grants wishes for seriously ill children, and its charity partner Octopus Investments, she was able to celebrate in style.
Emily’s mum Sharon Callander said: “Emily has been so excited from the minute she woke up. She actually described the day of her party like being Christmas Eve, she was so excited. She has loved every second of it.”
As well as celebrating, the teen wanted to make sure she could also help other seriously ill children have their wish granted by using the evening to fundraise for the charity, including encouraging people to donate to the charity instead of buying her gifts and holding a raffle to raise money.
The teenager said: “I have absolutely loved it. It’s been the best night I’ve had for ages. It has meant the world, and I am so glad that everyone could make it. I can’t thank Rays of Sunshine enough for organising this.”
Her mother said one of the best parts was spending time with her family and friends who have all supported Emily and the family throughout her illness.
“This party is a chance to give back and see everyone who has supported us through Emily’s illness. This is a success story, not without its trials and tribulations, as well as few struggles, but it is a success story. It’s nice for everyone to see that and how far she has come, and see what a beautiful young lady she has turned in to. Tonight is about everyone coming together.”
The teen enjoyed a real VIP evening, from enjoying a special Limo ride with her friends, dancing on the sparkly dancefloor and playing around in the photo booth, all arranged by Rays of Sunshine and Octopus Investments.
She also got a few surprise messages from some of her favourite celebrities, including the charity’s ambassadors Olly Murs and Pixie Lott, boyband The Vamps, as well as her favourite YouTuber, Joe Sugg.
For more information about Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity or to apply for a wish to be granted, visit raysofsunshine.org.uk
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