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WHEN four-month-old Melody developed what seemed like a harmless cold in April 2025, her parents anticipated a few days of sniffles.
However, when her breathing became labored and she struggled to breathe, Rachel-Elizabeth Hewitt and Kevin Aggett realized that something much more serious might be affecting their youngest child.
Melody was four months old when she was diagnosed with cancerCredit: Cancer Support UK
Initially, her parents Rachel-Elizabeth Hewitt (pictured) and Kevin Aggett believed Melody simply had a coldCredit: Cancer Support UK
After 12 hours passed without any improvement, Melody was rushed to their local hospital in Poole, Dorset, for evaluation.
Within hours, doctors diagnosed Melody with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a rare and rapidly progressing cancer.
“It felt unreal,” Rachel said. “I was so shocked that I had to ask the consultant to repeat what she had said.
“Hearing those words felt like a stabbing pain in my heart.”
The first consultant who examined Melody suspected she had a chest infection, which can cause breathing difficulties, and decided that the baby could go home.
“Fortunately,” Rachel explained, the baby was seen by another consultant who fitted her with a nasogastric tube and kept her overnight.
The following day, Melody was assessed by yet another consultant, who ordered a gas test to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in her blood.
Within minutes, more blood tests were conducted, and just one hour later, they received the heartbreaking diagnosis.
She was given a platelet transfusion immediately before being transferred to a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) in Southampton.
“Melody arrived with the highest white blood cell count the doctors had ever encountered,” the couple shared on a GoFundMe page they set up to help care for their daughter, which, at the time of writing, has raised over £13k.
She then spent 30 days in the ICU, which included two weeks on a ventilator and two rounds of chemotherapy.
Her diagnosis impacts 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.
Melody’s consultant, who has over 30 years of experience in Pediatric Oncology, informed the parents that their daughter’s cancer case was one of the “most complex” she has ever encountered.
Despite the various treatments, Rachel has been able to provide some comfort, particularly by being able to breastfeed again.
She said, “We do everything possible with Melody – playing with her and showering her with lots of cuddles and love.
The baby spent 30 days in the ICU, which involved two weeks on a ventilator and two rounds of chemotherapyCredit: Cancer Support UK
Her cancer affects around 100 children and young adults each year in the UKCredit: Cancer Support UK
“She’s an inspiration because she has smiled and giggled throughout this ordeal, while I have cried consistently.
“She’s such a fighter, even when she feels unwell.”
Rachel and Kevin have had to balance work and family life, including caring for their four other children: Felicity, two, Liberty, six, and twins Tom and Iz, aged 10.
Currently, they are utilizing a charity house and family room near GOSH, which allows them to bring their other children to spend time with Melody.
They are sharing their story with Cancer Support UK
