A little girl whose parents were told she had a virus when she lost the ability to walk later found out she had cancer.
Gracie McHugh and her family’s lives were turned upside down when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the tender age of two.
The young man from Halifax, West Yorkshire, first felt unwell and was taken to A&E with flu-like symptoms and was then sent home in January 2023.
But when he got home his condition deteriorated rapidly, he lost the ability to walk and developed a worrying rash.
Her worried mother Helen Jackson, 39, began searching for her daughter’s symptoms online after she began crying in pain.
When they returned to the hospital, a blood test revealed the little girl’s devastating cancer diagnosis, leaving her entire family in “total shock.”
Just a few days before her blood cancer diagnosis, the happy two-year-old was playing and dancing.
After receiving a blood transfusion, Gracie was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary, where she underwent ten days of intense chemotherapy and steroids and received physiotherapy to learn to walk again.
Her mother Helen said: “It was a very dark time when Gracie was diagnosed. Luckily, she was too young to understand what was happening.
Gracie McHugh was just two years old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Her family was shocked by her diagnosis since the young woman had been playing and dancing normally just a few days before.

Although it was a “dark time” for the family, mum Helen (pictured) is hopeful the “end is in sight” as Gracie must complete her treatment.
“But it was a difficult time for his siblings, who had a lot to deal with because we had to keep leaving them with other family members while we were in the hospital.”
The family has also received support from the children’s cancer charity. candle lighterswho have been praised by Helen for being “a shoulder to cry on”.
The McHughs also raised more than £7,000 for the charity by running the Manchester Half Marathon in October 2023.
Gracie has since enrolled in a Cancer Research-funded clinical trial called ‘Todogether-1’, which aims to see if changing treatments works better for children and young people with ALL.
Gracie is due to finish the maintenance phase of her treatment in March, but was diagnosed with osteopenia (low bone density) in her legs, leaving them weakened by the treatment.
The mother-of-four said: “The end is in sight now, Gracie’s treatment will end soon and we have a lot to look forward to this year.”
In addition to a star-shaped trophy, Gracie also received a gift card, a T-shirt and a certificate signed by celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and television personality Dr. Ranj.
Helen, a child therapist, added: “Cancer Research UK is a fantastic charity that recognizes these wonderful, brave children and helps fund the clinical trial that Gracie has taken part in.
“We couldn’t be prouder that Gracie has received a star award as she has been incredibly brave throughout her treatment.”

Gracie has since enrolled in a Cancer Research-funded clinical trial called ‘Todogether-1’, which aims to see if changing treatments works better for people with ALL.

The McHughs also raised more than £7,000 for children’s cancer charity Candlelighters by running the Manchester Half Marathon in October 2023.
Jane Bullock, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK, said: “A cancer diagnosis is heartbreaking at any age, but it can be especially difficult for young people.”
‘Gracie is a true star who has been through a lot at such a young age and it has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate her bravery with a Star Award.
‘Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment, and many can experience serious long-term side effects.
‘That’s why we support research dedicated to finding new, less toxic ways to defeat this devastating disease.
“We urge the people of West Yorkshire to nominate inspiring children like Gracie for a Star Award now, so that many more can receive the recognition they so richly deserve.”