LIFE is swiftly returning to normal for a brave little girl who is winning her battle against a rare form of liver cancer.

A full head of hair and a beaming smile were the distinguishing features of three-year-old Callie Richardson, who visited the Hexham Courant office last week, alongside mum, Gemma.

The youngster, from Simonburn, was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma last October, and underwent a programme of treatment, which included two types of chemotherapy.

Now, six months after she returned to Wark pre-school, and North Tynies Nursery in Bellingham, inquisitive Callie is enjoying her learning without the added disruption of hospital visits.

And what’s more the fund-raising campaign, From Callie With Thanks, has raised £3,500 in aid of charities which have supported the youngster.

Gemma, who has also returned to her job as a learning mentor at Ponteland High School, said: “Callie has had time to recover from the treatment, which finished in December, and she loves being in an environment where she can learn new things and make new friends.

“She requires blood tests every six weeks, but her protein level is back to normal, and there is still no sign of the tumour.”

The past nine months have been a rollercoaster ride for the family.

Last October, Gemma noticed a lump when she and Callie were swimming at a pool in Morpeth, and the youngster was swiftly referred to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria infirmary by a GP.

She underwent a blood test and an ultrasound scan, which indicated that the tumour was cancerous.

In the midst of the uncertainty, Gemma married Callie‘s dad, Peter, at St Mary’s Lighthouse, Whitley Bay.

But the day after the wedding, Callie was summoned to Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital for further tests, before returning to the RVI for treatment.

The tumour was removed during an operation in November.

Gemma said Callie will have her central venous catheter, which was installed last year and enables her to undergo blood tests in a stress-free manner, removed next month.

“The central line will have to come out, as it’s been in since last year and poses an infection risk,” explained Gemma.

“But we are delighted with Callie’s progress. She’s very lively and full of enthusiasm, and she is looking forward to going to ‘big’ school in September next year.”

Gemma put her running shoes on to take part in the 5k Cancer Research Race for Life in Newcastle recently, alongside friend Gemma Cosgrove.

It’s just one of many events which have been part of an ever-growing fund-raising campaign, which will support Cancer Research UK, the Toma Fund, Daft as a Brush, Quilts for Comfort North-East, The Little Princess Trust, The Sick Children’s Trust, North of England Children’s Cancer Research, book charity ReadWell, and the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group.

It will also fund new toys for ward nine, the surgical ward at the RVI’s Great North Children’s Hospital.

Activities have included a raffle, guess the number of balloons in a car at Falstone Show, children’s games at Bellingham Community Fair, a charity darts match at Bellingham’s Rose and Crown Inn, a cake sale at Wentworth leisure centre, Hexham, and a party at Crackers Soft Play, Haltwhistle.

In addition, fund-raisers have taken part in the North of England Children’s Cancer Run, a tandem skydive, organised tea parties and sponsored haircuts.

The latest event is a children’s colouring competition. Colouring sheets can be obtained from various outlets across Tynedale, including: the Rocky Road Cafe, Riverdale Hall Hotel and North Tynies childcare in Bellingham; Mr Wolf, Cogito Books and the Garden Coffee House in Hexham; Wheelbirks ice cream parlour in Stocksfield; Bardon Mill village shop; the Crown Inn in Humshaugh.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/FromCalliewiththanks