On a school nature walk last Summer, eight year old Annabelle Newman from Pembrey fell onto a blackthorn which pierced her leg. 

A chronic infection developed, which needed 8 operations to drain the wound and save the limb. So began the nightmare for her devastated parents, Charlene and Oscar, when they were told Annabelle’s immune system was greatly compromised and she had developed Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. 

Prescribed an intensive course of Chemotherapy for the cancer, this brave little girl learned how to administer the medication herself losing all her beautiful hair in the process. More agonising news followed when it was discovered Annabelle needed a bone marrow transplant

Initially admitted to Glangwilli Hospital Annabelle was later transferred to University Hospital of Wales Cardiff. Following the Chemo she suffered violent outbreaks of sickness with several other debilitating symptoms, and early this year was relocated to The Great North Hospital Newcastle; one of only two in the UK equipped to perform the essential treatment needed.

Annabelle and her parents plus her 2 year old brother Archie moved 400 miles away when Annabelle was admitted to the special children’s Oncology Unit there. They have been living in noisy and cramped accommodation for over four months while Annabelle has endured further intensive treatment and an agonising wait to see if a bone marrow donor could be found.

Her dad Oscar is no longer in employment as he has had to be with Archie while her mother stayed at the hospital with Annabelle 24/7. Horrendous setbacks, which included problems with tube-feeding, her lungs filling with fluid, and a bad reaction to allergic medication followed. Despite her discomfort and often in severe pain, regular Facebook updates from Charlene show pictures of this courageous little girl, never without her engaging and beautiful smile.

Throughout this agonising time the family and the doctors anxiously awaited news of a suitable bone marrow donor. Miraculously a compassionate 21 year old individual from Israel was found to be a perfect match. Annabelle underwent further surgery and much joy was evident when told the good news that the transplant had proved 100% successful, having literally saved Annabelle’s life.

During this time, wonderful Burry Port friends of the Newman’s, Kelly and Steve Nicholson set up a go-fund-me page to raise much needed financial support. 

Their daughter Anghele and her friend Freya walked a full marathon raising an incredible £11,000. Later Kay Owens’ solo ½ marathon bike ride realised a further £640. 

May we take this opportunity to salute Saint Mary’s Parish Church, Ted’s Gym, Elkington Baptist ladies’ fellowship and the many individuals who responded so well with generous donations -“Diolch yn fawr o galon”. Together you helped save a dear little girl’s life.

Anghele and her sister Seren will climb Pen y Fan and Snowdon in further proposed fundraisers, to continue supporting Annabelle and her family.

The latest update is that Annabelle has responded favourably to her post hospital regime and is now well on the road to recovery, still in Newcastle but hoping to be allowed home to Pembrey very soon. 

The bombshell of Annabelle’s initial diagnosis and subsequent roller-coaster journey, together with the isolated living in a faraway place has naturally made for a fair degree of homesickness.

Charlene, Oscar, Annabelle and Archie, we pray you may soon be able to join with your extended family and friends and ‘kiss away each hour of hiraeth’ when you come home again to Pembrey.

Links: https://gofundme/aebb89b5

https://www.bbmr.co.uk/joining-the-register/

UPDATE

GOOD NEWS.

Annabelle has been given the all-clear by her Consultant and declared free from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

Amid much rejoicing, with her parents, baby brother and all hospital staff applauding her, Annabelle got to ring the “I beat cancer bell” on the ward last week.

The family is expecting to return to Pembrey, to their beloved pets and extended family in the very  near future.

Once again they send their gratitude to all who contributed in any way to make  Annabelle’s difficult journey and the long stay away from home more comfortable.