What began as an apparent common cold in a four-month-old baby quickly escalated into a devastating leukaemia diagnosis that left her family reeling.
From Common Cold to Critical Condition
In April 2025, parents Rachel-Elizabeth Hewitt and Kevin Aggett noticed their daughter Melody had developed what seemed like typical cold symptoms. However, the situation rapidly deteriorated when Melody's breathing became laboured and she struggled to feed.
The concerned parents from Poole, Dorset, rushed their infant to their local hospital after she went twelve hours without a wet nappy - a clear warning sign of dehydration.
Rachel recalled the initial confusion among medical staff: "The first consultant thought it was bronchiolitis and wanted to send Melody home. Luckily, another consultant decided to keep her in overnight and fitted her with a nasogastric tube."
Devastating Diagnosis and Emergency Treatment
The following day brought the family's worst fears to life. After a GAS (blood gas) test and subsequent blood work, medics delivered the heartbreaking news within just sixty minutes - Melody had leukaemia.
"It didn't feel real," Rachel described. "I was so shocked, I had to ask the consultant to repeat her words. Hearing those words was like a stabbing pain in my heart."
Melody was immediately transferred to paediatric intensive care in Southampton where she began emergency treatment. The diagnosis was confirmed as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an exceptionally rare and aggressive blood cancer that affects approximately 100 children and young adults annually in the UK.
Her treatment included two courses of chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions, and a fortnight on a ventilator during her month-long stay in intensive care.
Ongoing Battle and Unexpected Comfort
In August, Melody was moved to London's Great Ormond Street Hospital for a bone marrow transplant, where she continues to receive treatment.
Throughout the gruelling medical procedures, Rachel has continued breastfeeding her daughter, providing constant comfort. "We do as much as possible with Melody – playing with her and giving lots of cuddles and love," she said. "She's an inspiration because she's smiled and giggled throughout, whereas I have cried continuously."
Remarkably, an unexpected source of comfort has emerged for the now 11-month-old. A special Warmies heatable teddy bear named Cuddles, provided through Cancer Support UK's Cuddles for Christmas campaign, has become a godsend.
"This warmable bear is wonderfully comforting and brings a smile to Melody's face," Rachel explained. "It's the perfect size for her and we are so grateful to everyone who donated."
Mark Guymer, CEO of Cancer Support UK, emphasised the importance of these sensory toys: "These lavender-scented bears provide a sense of calm and reassurance for children facing the challenges of cancer treatment. For a child spending Christmas in hospital, a warm cuddle can ease stress and anxiety."
The charity aims to send 1,200 of these comforting bears to children's cancer wards across the UK this year.
