A MOTHER has spoken of her relief after her nine-year-old daughter celebrated the end of two years of gruelling chemotherapy.

Sophie Laidler of Seaham, County Durham, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in October 2016 was able to ring the ‘end-of-treatment-bell’ at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

She was joined by parents Nicola and Paul, step-mum Vicky and siblings Chloe, 10, Heidi, eight, Harrison, four and Lucy, one, along with Sophie’s aunt, uncle, grandmother and several cousins and members of Rainbow Trust’s North East Care Team.

The celebrations continued with a party at Shotton Hall, in Peterlee, where the family were joined by members of the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, which supports families caring for a seriously ill child.

Nicola, Sophie’s mum said: “Sophie was so excited, as we were. We were delighted to celebrate Sophie’s end of treatment.

"We have come a long way since her initial diagnosis over two years ago, and we were particularly pleased to be able to throw a party not only to celebrate Sophie’s health, but also to thank Rainbow Trust, our fabulous Family Support Worker Sabrina Kah and other members of the North East Care Team who have made such a difference to us throughout Sophie’s treatment.”

The Laidler’s story was very different just two years ago as Sophie nearly died after first being diagnosed with leukaemia, and it was during these darkest hours in the hospital parents’ room that Nicola Sabrina.

Nicola said: “While Sophie was in hospital, Sabrina would take her brothers and sisters to and from school, have fun with them and take them out for the day.

"Without her there would have been no one around who cared about them or who could spend time with them while we stayed with Sophie.

"I’m so grateful to her for taking on board what they were going through. Sabrina and Rainbow Trust have made a real difference to our lives.”

The Laidlers have lots of exciting things planned for 2019.

Nicola said: “This year is looking bright for Sophie.

"She’s really looking forward to having some relaxing time in the Cyprus sun with her dad, step-mum and siblings.

"And with an offer to stay in a friend’s villa in Spain later in the year too, we all have plenty to look forward to."