Parents thought a newborn baby's illness was just a cold, until she stopped feeding and going to the toilet. At first doctors wanted to send baby Melody home, but after tests came back with devastating news she has been in hospital for months - battling a high-risk cancer.

Rachel-Elizabeth Hewitt and Kevin Aggett took Melody, aged four months, to hospital when she was unable to breastfeed due to breathing struggles. While there it was found the newborn’s suspected cold was actually a form of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

“It didn’t feel real,” Rachel said. “I was so shocked, I had to ask the consultant to repeat her words. Hearing those words was like a stabbing pain in my heart.”

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Melody developed the cold-like symptoms in April 2025. It began to affect her breathing so much that she was unable to breastfeed properly. And when Melody’s nappy was still dry from the day before, Rachel raced to their local hospital in Poole, Dorset.

She said: “The first consultant thought it was bronchiolitis, which can cause breathing problems. They wanted to send Melody home. Luckily she was seen by another consultant who fitted Melody with a nasogastric tube and kept her in overnight. The next day, Melody was examined by yet another consultant who ordered a blood gas test.”

Within minutes, more blood tests were taken and just one hour later, they were given Melody’s devastating diagnosis. She was given a platelet transfusion immediately, before being transferred to a paediatric intensive care unit in Southampton.

Melody spent 30 days there, involving two weeks on a ventilator and two rounds of chemotherapy. Her diagnosis affects around 100 children and young adults each year in the UK, according to Cancer Support UK. In August, she was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital for an urgent bone marrow transplant.

Despite the different treatments, Rachel has been able to provide some comfort, especially with being able to breastfeed again. She 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 have cried continuously.

“She’s such a fighter, even when feeling poorly.”

Rachel and Kevin have had to juggle work and family life, including taking care of their four other children, Felicity, two, Liberty, six and twins, Tom and Iz, aged 10. Currently, they’re using a charity house and family room near GOSH, which allows them to bring their other kids to spend time with Melody.

They’re sharing their story with Cancer Support UK to help raise awareness and as they’re proposing to send 1,200 bears to hospitals and hospices to children battling cancer this Christmas. Melody has just received her bear, bringing a form of comfort and distraction from her ongoing battle.

Rachel added: “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.”