A two-year-old girl was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer after being admitted to hospital with a throat infection.
Toddler Hope Dale was diagnosed in June with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia - which affects white blood cells.
The horrific diagnosis came after she was admitted to hospital with what her family thought was a throat infection.
Mum Shannon Bowater, 23, and builder dad Chris Dale, 22, living in Killeen, County Armagh, were shocked by the news, Belfast Live reports.
The life-changing diagnosis came shortly after Shannon became pregnant with her second child Noah.
The grief also hit Hope's godmother, student nurse Emma McCabe, 24, who recalled the "awful" moment they heard the news.
"It was awful,” Emma said, “It was very hard for them.”
Hope's treatment at Belfast's Royal Children's Hospital involved several different types of gruelling chemotherapy, lung punctures, and surgical sampling of bone marrow tissue.
But through it all, Hope continued to keep smiling.
Her godmother Emma said: “Because she’s so young, she takes it in her stride. She’s been so brave throughout the whole thing.”
In August, the family received the joyous news that the youngster is now in remission.
“She’s definitely a lot brighter," Emma said, "She’s got her wee personality back.”
Her intense treatment will still continue for at least another 18 months, to make sure the cancer is completely gone.
The family are raising funds for the Children's Cancer Unity Charity by hiking the seven peaks of the Mournes Mountains today.
The unit is the only treatment centre for children to receive specialist cancer care in Northern Ireland.
Speaking about donations, Hope’s godmother said: “It’s been amazing seeing how many people want to help - especially for Hope’s mummy and daddy it’s been amazing to see how many people care.”
You can donate to their fundraiser here.
