Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Kali Lindsay

Parents tribute to Morpeth three-year-old who died after leukaemia diagnosis

The parents of toddler who died after being diagnosed with leukaemia have paid a tribute to their little girl who "could walk in a room and light it up".

Summer Louise O'Hare was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) on February 11 last year and started to receive intense chemotherapy.

Her parents, Ashley and Leanne, from Morpeth, Northumberland, were later told their little girl would need to have a stem cell transplant which took place in June.

READ MORE: Touching reason Dan Burn, Bruno Guimarães and Kevin Keegan are wearing this 'magic hat'

But complications from the transplant caused scarring on Summer's lungs and doctors later told her parents their was nothing more they could do medically.

On February 12, just one year and one day since her leukaemia diagnosis Summer passed away with her mum and dad by her side.

(handout)

Heartbroken Leanne said: "It happened very quickly. Her stats started to drop and oxygen dropped. She opened her eyes for a couple of seconds to say goodbye.

"She was always with me, every single day since she was born. I don't know what to do with myself without her. She was my little sidekick."

Summer received treatment at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, but it was after undergoing stem cell treatment she started to suffer harsh side effects and became very poorly.

Doctors told Leanne and Ashley she had graft versus host disease (GVHD) of the lungs - a life-threatening complication from a stem cell transplant that happens when the donor's cells started attacking the small airways in her lungs.

Summer battled on and eventually the family was given the news the transplant was a success and Summer 100 per cent donor cells and no longer had any signs of cancer - she was in remission.

But she became poorly again and they were told the scarring from the gvhd meant she had to be put on oxygen 24/7.

Doctors then gave the devastating news Summer's lungs were so bad there was nothing more medically they could do and she had very little time left.

Her parents had hoped to raise money for Summer to undergo treatment in America but tragically her health took a turn for the worse.

Despite the challenges she faced, Summer was always full of life and was known for her love of Peppa Pig and her wellies.

Loving dad Ashley said: "She loved Peppa Pig and was always running around in her wellies. She had so much energy and was always running around the ward.

"The doctors were amazed how she was doing when other children were so sick.

"She would walk around and play peek-a-boo with the other babies and she loved a little boogie. She was just so full of life. I'm so proud of her. She could just walk in a room and light it up."

Ashley and Leanne, who also have daughter Brooke, eight, have given staff on wards three and four where Summer received treatment a book of memories to remember their little girl.

He added: "We have given them a book of their favourite memories of her. She is the only child who got this far out of all the children who had this awful lung disease.

"She was the only child too push so far forward with strength and smiles."

A friend has now started a fundraising campaign to raise money for Summer's funeral which will take place at Northumberland Crematorium on March 8 at 12.30pm.

Leanne said: "She never liked dull colours so we want everyone to wear bright colours and wellies.

"She loved Fireman Sam so we have asked a fire station if they can come with an engine as well."

To donate to the fundraiser visit here

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.