THE ‘devastating’ blow of a child’s cancer diagnosis is every parents worst nightmare.

But the harsh reality is that more than 100 children pass through the Oxford Children’s Hospital doors each year faced with the daunting battle of fighting cancer.

September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and a group of parents have joined Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity in backing the move to raise awareness.

Oxford Mail:

Among them is the Rose family, from Abingdon, who got the heartbreaking news two-year-old Maizie had cancer after finding a ‘huge’ stomach tumour.

Her dad Phil Rose said it took three GP visits before the youngster was diagnosed after not being able to keep her food or drink down.

He said: “We were eventually sent to the John Radcliffe for her dehydration, within 40 minutes they noticed her stomach was very firm and large and in 24 hours we were told she had cancer.”

Oxford Mail: Maizie Rose at the hospital in 2013 - with mum Emily and dad Phil

Maizie was diagnosed in May 2013 with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer in the chest and stomach.

The family’s world came crashing down, but Mr Rose said a simple move by the hospital letting the family home for the weekend before starting treatment on Monday made all the difference.

He added: “I can’t fault the hospital, they are absolutely amazing. They soon realised something was wrong with Maizie and it meant everything to be allowed home for that weekend. It is the little things that get you through.”

Maizie received the all clear in April and this year marked the fifth year since diagnosis - making it unlikely her cancer will return.

The family have since joined those devoted to raising money to fund lifesaving equipment to support other children facing cancer.

The Balaam family, from Bracknell, are also fundraising to give thanks after six-year-old Harry was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma in 2016.

In recent weeks the family smashed the £40,000 fundraising mark, despite an initial £500 target, spurred on by the fact that there was not enough monitoring equipment during Harry’s treatment to help his pain relief overnight.

The family have since raised enough funds for some 10 machines to cater to nearly all the beds on Kamran’s Ward, whilst Harry is back at school full time and doing well.

But for some the battle continues and support from Oxford Children’s Hospital is proving vital.

Oxford Mail:

Five-year-old Kate Samuel, from Headington, was diagnosed in June with leukaemia after often getting tired.

The youngster was sent straight to the John Radcliffe and within the week had started treatment.

Her mum Jane said: “The full level of support you get straight away just gives you the confidence that you’re really being looked after.

“It was shocking when we found out and it became very much about living in the moment, stopping plans and having a very small world based at the hospital.

“Which is why it is amazing to have somewhere like the children’s hospital just a 15 minute walk away. It means Anna [Kate’s twin] can go to school and still visit her sister afterwards.”

Kate is now facing constant hospital visits for chemotherapy for the next two years, where Ms Samuel said the whole family have been made to feel so comfortable.

Oxford Mail:

Mum of two Sam Couchman, from Swindon, also faces a similar battle after six-year-old Ben was diagnosed with leukaemia in June.

It came after Ms Couchman raised concerns about the constant bruises Ben was getting and within hours of being rushed to hospital was diagnosed.

Ben is facing more than three years of chemotherapy varying between Swindon and Oxford hospitals.

Ms Couchman said: “It is massively important to raise awareness, if I can make just one person aware of the link between bruises and Leukaemia.

“But also raise awareness of charities such as CLIC Sargent and how supportive they are. They have helped us come to terms with it so much.”