Darcy marks sixth anniversary of ringing our end of treatment bell
Recently, a very special anniversary was marked by Darcy Blakeman who was the first person to proudly ring the end of treatment bell in our oncology unit back in 2014.
Darcy was diagnosed with Leukaemia in May 2012 when she was aged three and was quickly transferred to our specialist unit from Stafford for treatment.
Her mum, Deborah Blakeman, said: “it was a very overwhelming and frightening time, especially as we didn’t know anyone else who had been through this experience.
“The Children’s Hospital soon became a second home to us - we knew everyone on a first name basis. Staff, other families, children, they all became friends.
Two-and-half- years of intensive treatment followed and Darcy, then six-years-old, became the first patient ever at our hospital to proudly ring the End of Treatment Bell, kindly provided by the End of Treatment Bells charity.
Deborah explained: “It was a really amazing moment and meant the end of her treatment and regular journeys to the hospital.
“Darcy ringing the bell signified the end of that period and onto an exciting time of getting back to some kind of normality. It was lovely to have something to represent that, and the bell was a reflection of the end of that particular time.”
The End of Treatment Bell symbolises the end of treatment and starting the next chapter of a patient’s journey. Ringing it is seen as a big milestone - a moment of celebration, an opportunity of reflection on their journey and thoughts for the future.
We’re delighted to report that Darcy is now doing fantastically well. Deborah added: “Darcy is doing amazing now and living life to the full. She’s just turned 12 and is in Year Eight at school.
“Although she remembers her time in hospital, it’s only vague and all positive memories of the people we encountered on the way.
“She loves going to the park with friends, ice-skating and she’s caught up at school, she’s amongst peers and living happy and healthy life.
“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who cared for and treated Darcy.”