The family of a young girl who received a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis aged three is getting to celebrate Christmas properly this year.

Isabellah Owen had cold-like symptoms when her parents rushed her to A&E because she was struggling to breathe properly and snoring while sleeping, which she had never done before.

An MRI scan found a tumour blocking her nasal passage and throat.

Doctors had to put Isabellah into a coma while they awaited a diagnosis, and she even spent Boxing Day in hospital.

Now her family have spoken to their heartbreak at the toddler’s diagnosis as they back a charity which helped them through their daughter's battle.

The Northern Echo: Isabellah Owen during her cancer battle.Isabellah Owen during her cancer battle. (Image: PR)

Mum Amy Owen said: “One of Isabellah’s favourite things about Christmas is eating chocolate for breakfast as a special treat, but during her diagnosis, we couldn’t even let her do that because she was so poorly.

“Nothing can prepare you for hearing the news that your child has cancer, it truly turns your world upside down.

“No child should have to receive a cancer diagnosis.

“During her diagnosis, Isabellah developed a new nickname: ‘Mighty Isabellah’. She’s shown beyond strength during those difficult 12 months, and we’re incredibly proud of how strong she remained.

“Isabellah will continue to have regular scans and monitoring, but is now back at school and enjoying her life as a child. We personally know how for young cancer patients their cancer journey may mean they’re not able to fully experience the joy of the festive season.”

The Northern Echo: Isabellah is looking forward to Christmas.Isabellah is looking forward to Christmas. (Image: PR)

Isabellah had Rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of sarcoma cancer that affects the muscles that are attached to the bone.

After 12 months of gruelling treatment including chemotherapy, proton beam therapy, scans, medication, and blood transfusions she was declared in remission in September 2022.

This Christmas the family are backing a campaign from Children with Cancer UK, which supports families during their cancer journeys.

Amy added: “We hope that this new campaign will help increase awareness and understanding of childhood cancer, and raise vital funding to support other young patients and their families who are fighting this devasting disease.”

The charity hopes one day every child diagnosed with cancer survives.

Survival rates for children’s cancers are improving. Fifty years ago, three-quarters of children diagnosed with cancer died; today that’s down to 2 in 10 children diagnosed.

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However, with around 4,200 new cases each year in the UK, it is still one of the leading causes of death for children and young people.

Jo Elvin, CEO of Children with Cancer UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Isabellah and Amy for sharing their story and we hope it inspires people to donate or fundraise this December.

“Our mission is to fund ground-breaking scientific research into the treatment and causes of childhood cancer, provide crucial ongoing support for young cancer patients and their loved ones and continue to raise awareness as we work towards our vision of a world where every child survives cancer.”