An eight-year-old from Ashton on Ribble has finally rung her treatment bell, signifying her end of cancer treatment.
Camille Gaunt was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia by doctors at Royal Preston Hospital at just six years old, and was soon transferred to Manchester Children’s Hospital to receive treatment.
Nearly two and a half years on and with her cancer in remission, Camille had the chance to not only ring the bell at Manchester Hospital, but also Preston’s.
The opportunity to ring the bell in her hometown was given by the Play Team on the Children’s Ward.
It was said to be “just as important as her” as she was surrounded by familiar nurses who had got to know her from her regular check-ups and monitoring.
Rebecca, an occupational therapist for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Camille must have had more than 20 admissions to the Children’s Ward, so all the staff got to know her and us.
“Sometimes, Camille and I used to walk down to where the end-of-treatment bell is, and Camille would say she couldn’t wait to ring it.
“Thanks to the Play Team’s invitation, she has now done just that!”
After ringing the bell and saying her goodbyes, Camille headed off for a family meal, followed by a family party the following day.
Lucy Clark, of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, who helped the Play Team organise Camille’s bell ring, said: “Well done to Camille.
“Ringing that bell is so special to patients, whatever their age.
“It’s a sound all our staff also love to hear.”
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