In 2011, seven-year-old Ayesha Siddiqui was diagnosed with leukaemia, and her parents were told she’d need a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor.
Since then, the entire Siddiqui family has worked tirelessly to share lifesaving awareness about stem cell and bone marrow donation, and to raise vital funds for Anthony Nolan.
Now, at last, a match has been found – and as the pre-transplant treatment begins, her mum Noreen asks all of us to come together and show Ayesha that she isn’t alone.
1,637 – separately, these are all just small numbers. But together they represent the total of days since Ayesha was diagnosed with leukaemia, more than four years ago.
In that time we’ve worked with Anthony Nolan to raise awareness of the work they do saving the lives of people with blood cancer. We’ve raised over £200,000 with the help of family, friends and supporters, and we’ve helped to recruit new donors onto the stem cell register.
Ayesha's family showing their support with a warrior selfie
1 is a small and lonely number. And it represents the fact that Ayesha has found a match and has gone into the New Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, for a stem cell transplant, this week.
She is not looking forward to it, but has faced her cancer head- on, refusing to let it spoil her life.
She is still singing, dancing, doing cartwheels, plays on her pogo sticks, and is fearless. As her mum, I have to be, too.
I don't want Ayesha to think she is on her own. So I'm looking to turn the number 1 into 100s (maybe 1,000s).
I’m putting out a call to warriors - warriors who will help Ayesha get through her stem cell transplant.
Another of #AyeshasWarriors
She knows she will lose her hair...again. She will lose her energy, and may need a wheelchair.
I want warriors to let her know that she is not on her own.
I am looking for #AyeshasWarriors. Take a selfie of your warrior face – it can be fierce, funny, glam or adorable – on your phone and post it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
When Ayesha is stuck in strict isolation, I want her to know that she has warriors supporting her through her treatment.
To show your support for Ayesha, please post your own message on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, using the hashtag #AyeshasWarriors.
Ayesha, and her mum aunt and cousins looking like fierce warriors
Ayesha and her family show their funny warrior face