A five-year-old boy from the West Midlands is spending his third Christmas in hospital following a devastating second relapse of a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia.
A Mother's Discovery and a Heartbreaking Diagnosis
In December 2022, just after his second birthday, Marley Bourne's mother, Shaunna Bourne, noticed unexplained rashes and bruising covering her son's body. The 33-year-old from Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, initially sought help from their GP, who prescribed antibiotics. When Marley's condition failed to improve, Shaunna's concerns grew.
By Boxing Day 2022, Marley's health had deteriorated sharply; he was unable to bear weight on his legs. Shaunna rushed him to Accident and Emergency, where blood tests led to an urgent transfer to Birmingham Children's Hospital. On 29th December, the family received the crushing diagnosis: Marley had Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), a rare cancer affecting blood and bone marrow.
A Gruelling Cycle of Treatment and Relapse
Marley began his first intensive course of chemotherapy within weeks. After five arduous months, he entered remission, bringing immense relief to his family. However, this hope was short-lived. Just ten months later, during a routine check-up, doctors found his platelet levels had dropped – the cancer had returned.
Marley endured further chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant in July 2023. He responded well, ringing the bell to mark the end of treatment just before his fourth birthday. The family dared to hope for a return to normal life, with Marley needing only periodic check-ups.
Tragically, in March of this year, a phone call from his consultant brought their world crashing down again. Tests confirmed leukaemia cells in his bone marrow, and by June 2025, Marley had relapsed for a second time.
Making a Hospital Christmas Magical
This latest round of treatment, which includes another stem cell transplant and a trial drug, has been the toughest yet. Marley has suffered severe blistering and other harsh side effects. With his immune system critically low, spending Christmas at home was impossible.
"In mid-November we realised there was no way Marley would be home for Christmas," Shaunna said. "He's so poorly, he needs his treatment... so we'll just make the best of it."
The family is determined to find joy, celebrating a smaller Christmas in his hospital room. "If giving up this Christmas means Marley has the chance to see more Christmases, that's what we'll do," Shaunna added.
She praised the efforts of Birmingham Children's Hospital and its charity for transforming the wards. "There's decorations across the wards, a grotto for patients, and we've had special visitors including Santa and local football clubs. It's made the world of difference," she said.
Annie Eytle, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity, stated: "We're on a mission to make Christmas as magical as possible for our patients, especially those like Marley, who are too poorly to be at home where they want to be."
The charity's Christmas Appeal, funded by public donations, helps provide festive activities and comfort for patients and their families during the difficult holiday period.
