My baby’s ordinary cold turned out to be the start of every parent’s nightmare

My baby’s ordinary cold turned out to be the start of every parent’s nightmare Steve Charnock Published November 27, 2025 2:46pm Updated November 27, 2025 2:47pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments Click to see more Back Next What began as a mild spring cold for little four month-old Melody soon unravelled into a life-changing crisis that her parents could never have imagined. Dorset-based Rachel-Elizabeth Hewitt and Kevin Aggett had taken their baby daughter to be checked after she went twelve hours without a wet nappy and her breathing began to grow shallow. At first a consultant suggested that Melody could well be suffering from bronchiolitis and talked about sending the family home. Another doctor kept Melody in overnight with an NG (nasogastric) tube and, by the following morning, a third consultant ordered a GAS (Group A Streptococcus) test. The swift results triggered more blood tests and within an hour the couple were told their beautiful new baby had leukaemia. Rachel remembered the moment with painful clarity: ‘It didn’t feel real. I was so shocked, I had to ask the consultant to repeat herself. Hearing those words was like a stabbing pain in my heart.’ (Pictures: Cancer Support UK/SWNS) Melody was given an immediate platelet transfusion before an urgent transfer to paediatric intensive care in Southampton, where she remained for a full 30 days. Two weeks of that time Melody spent on a ventilator while doctors worked to stabilise her tiny body through rounds of chemotherapy and an array of interventions. Further tests soon revealed that she was facing a particular high risk form of cancer. The diagnosis was AML (acute myeloid leukaemia), an extremely rare type of fast-growing blood cancer that only affects about 100 young people in the UK each year. The pace of treatment was relentless, yet Rachel continued to breastfeed her daughter as often as she could, determined to give comfort to little Melody even amongst all of the tubes, machines, bleeps and procedures. (Picture: Cancer Support UK/SWNS) Although her distraught parents watched each stage with fear and dread, Melody responded with a resilience that impressed all of the adults around her. Medical staff included. Even on the days when chemotherapy drained her of her colour and strength, she still managed to smile and giggle at familiar voices. Rachel said: ‘We do as much as possible with Melody – playing with her and giving lots of cuddles and love. She’s an inspiration because she’s smiled and giggled throughout - whereas I've cried continuously. She’s such a fighter even when feeling poorly.’ (Picture: Cancer Support UK/SWNS) After a couple of months, expert doctors confirmed that Melody’s best chance of survival depended on a bone marrow transplant. She was moved again, this time to London's famous Great Ormond Street Hospital, where specialists prepared her for the procedure. The move placed the family far from their home in Poole, but brought them closer to the expertise they urgently needed. The transplant process was long and complex. And although the team guided them through each and every step, nothing eased the fear of waiting for results or watching their daughter face procedures meant for patients much older than her. Melody continued to draw strength from the routine of cuddles and breastfeeding that her mum kept going amid the complications of being in such a strict clinical environment. (Picture: Cancer Support UK/SWNS) Alongside the vital medical care, an unexpected source of comfort took up a constant place in Melody’s hospital bed. A Warmies heatable teddy, sent through Cancer Support UK’s Cuddles for Christmas appeal, quickly became Melody's very favourite companion. Rachel said: ‘This warmable bear is wonderfully comforting and brings a smile to Melody’s face. It’s the perfect size for her and we are so grateful to everyone who donated and ensured Melody received her cute ted. It’s been a godsend at this difficult time.’ The lavender smell and gentle warmth soothed her during those long nights in her hospital bed, offering reassurance when her parents needed to step back and let the doctors and nurses do their work. (Picture: Cancer Support UK/SWNS) Cancer Support UK’s chief executive Mark Guymer explained why these teddies have become cherished items on children’s cancer wards nationwide. ‘These bears are so much more than soft toys. They’re special lavender-scented sensory teds that can be gently warmed in a microwave. Their comforting weight and soothing warmth provide a sense of calm and reassurance for children facing the challenges of cancer treatment. For a child spending Christmas in hospital, treatment can be a frightening and isolating experience. A warm cuddle from one of our bears can help ease stress and anxiety, offering a moment of comfort and care when it’s needed most. It’s an ambitious appeal but with the public’s support we can make sure that every child facing cancer this Christmas receives a bear and knows that someone is thinking of them.’ The charity hopes to send 1,200 of the bears to hospitals across the UK this year. (Picture: Cancer Support UK/SWNS) Through all of this hardship, Melody’s parents have had to learn to navigate a world of oncology teams, transfusion schedules and procedures. All of which unfold at a speed that's dictated by her illness. What began, they thought, as just an ordinary cold in April has gone on to rewrite almost every single part of their lives. Yet the family continue to focus on the little wins... Each smile, each cuddle and every sign of progress - however little - serves as a reminder of the fight they have to carry on demonstrating. Because their daughter's already shown more than enough fight of her own. (Picture: Cancer Support UK/SWNS) Back Back Next GalleryNext Gallery Back Back Start Start Next Next

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