Little Lacie back home in Wilbarston is still bouncing as cancer treatment continues

A little girl from Northamptonshire is facing the second stage of her treatment after a cancerous growth and a kidney were successfully removed from her abdomen.

Lacie Marshall has been receiving treatment and battling Wilm’s Tumour - a rare childhood cancer of the kidney in Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre ever since being admitted in October 2020.

The two-year-old, who lives in Wilbarston with mum Kelly, dad Lee Pollard and her siblings Riley, 15, Laila, nine, and five-year-old Elisia, had been rushed into Kettering General Hospital after an emergency GP appointment picked up a problem in her abdomen - from there she was transferred as a blue light emergency to the Nottingham hospital.

After a course of chemotherapy to reduce the size of the tumour, it was successfully removed in a six-hour long life-saving operation just before Christmas, allowing Lacie to be back home for the festive season.

A post-op oncology appointment has shown that Lacie will now have to undergo another set of treatments including more chemotherapy and possibly radiotherapy.

Mum Kelly, 41, said: "The operation was so successful she sailed through this and she's been incredible. We know she's going to be treated with more aggressive treatment.

"Lacie coming home was my Christmas wish that came true. She's still bouncing on the sofa and she's getting stronger every day. It's heartbreaking to see her. She's the picture of health at the moment.

"I didn't think I could love her any more but I love her more each day."

"She is so strong, after the operation all she had was Calpol twice. She was left with a six-inch scar across her tummy but it's so neat and tidy it's like someone drew it on with a pen."

It was after numerous CT and MRI scans, as well as a biopsy and medical tests, that doctors discovered a large tumour that had affected one of her kidneys and grown across her spine.

To reduce the size of the growth, Lacie had weekly chemotherapy ready for the operation on December 17 when the kidney and tumour that had wrapped itself around her spine were successfully removed.

The two-year-old will now have intensive chemotherapy for three days, every three weeks for approximately six months.

Lacie's grandad Steve Pollard, 68, from Desborough, had been sharing the driving and caring duties with son Lee taking turns to be at her bedside.

He said: "Lacie is home, and getting better and stronger each day. What this little girl has had to endure over the last ten weeks has reduced everyone around her to tears, yet she continues to bounce back in such an incredible way, her little face hides what pain or upset might be within, and she charms all that she sees or meets with laughter.

"The tumour in her tummy and around her spine has gone, the kidney has been successfully removed and she came home for Christmas. Her treatment will continue well into next year."

Inspired by his granddaughter's medical team, Steve decided to raise money for the ward where Lacie recieved her care.

He said: "During the first few weeks I was able to stay with Lacie in hospital to give Lee a break every other day. While at the bedside you cannot help to marvel at the staff of this wonderful hospital. You notice that the care for each child is given in a way that mothers give to their own children.

"At the same time parents are looked after with similar consideration. The detail and care to arrive at the diagnosis and treatment plan is remarkable. It was at this point I decided that I must do something as a thank you to Queens Medical Centre for the care this little girl is receiving."

Steve said: "She's still a very poorly little girl but she's fighting all the way. It makes you feel guilty about complaining about a headache."

Biscuit-loving Lacie has been building up her strength ready for phase two of her treatment.

Christmas Day spent at home brought her a new play kitchen and she has been busy filling up the washing-up bowl with custard creams.

Granddad Steve, head groundsman at Kibworth Cricket Club, is in training for a 100-mile marathon walk - trekking 20-miles a day for five days - to fundraise for the children’s oncology unit ward where Lacie has been cared for.

Hoping to start on Monday February 15, depending on Covid restrictions, he has already raised more than half of his £10,000 target.

His five day-long series of hikes will see him visit cricket grounds and watering holes including Weldon Cricket Club, Kibworth Cricket Club, the Fox at Wilbarston, the Old Works Club in Desborough and West Lodge Farm, home to Desborough Cricket Club.

Steve added: "It is now time for the hard work to start to be able to complete the walk, in Lacie's name, to honour this magnificent hospital and all of the team - from the senior doctors, surgical teams, oncology ward and day care wards - they are truly remarkable.

"From the whole family can we thank all of you who have donated to date, we are all so grateful. To anyone who might be able to donate, whatever the amount your donation will help us to help so many more children like Lacie. Click here to support Steve's fundraiser.Kelly added: " I want to thank all our family and friends and people in the village. Everyone has been so kind. Every penny raised will go to hospital as a thank you - they are so wonderful."