Brave Gwent youngsters battle cancer

MELISSA JONES met a Newport girl who now dreams of becoming a model after completing her treatment, while RUTH MANSFIELD reports on a toddler whose fight won him a national award.

A NEWPORT teenager will tonight fulfil her modelling dreams - after years of treatment for cancer.

Seren Ternent, 13, from Chepstow Road, is being given a chance to star on the catwalk by Miss Newport finalist and friend Harriett Crocker, 17, of Rhiwderin.

For the optional fundraising part of the beauty competition, Harriett decided to organise a fashion show and entertainment evening in aid of her chosen charity, The Joshua Foundation.

Seren was only ten when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

After undergoing an intensive course of chemotherapy for the past two-and-a-half years, the youngster finished her treatment in July.

It is estimated she has been in and out of hospital about 200 times.

Miss Crocker has two aims for the fundraising show - to raise awareness of cancer and to give Seren the chance to become a model for the evening.

She said of Seren: “You would not believe the difference in her now and becoming a model is one of her wishes. I've been getting a text off her every day saying she's looking forward to tonight”.

Tamar Richards, 43, Seren's mum, said her daughter has already done a magazine photoshoot and modelling really gives her a lift.

She said: “It has really boosted her confidence as losing her hair really knocked her confidence. People have said she looks amazing and Harriet is a great inspiration to her.”

The pair will take to the catwalk at Buffalo Bar, Windsor Place, Cardiff, from 7.30pm tonight and tickets are priced at £5.

RELIEF: Catherine and Robert Hudd of Tredegar with Aaron, seven, Olivia, one and cancer suffer Cameron, three

LITTLE Cameron Hudd’s battle with cancer began at the age of just three months.

But three years later, the brave Tredegar youngster is now looking forward to a brighter 2011 after being given the news the lad is now free of cancer.

And in recognition of his courage and positive outlook throughout his illness, Cancer Research UK has now named him as one of the winners of their Little Star awards.

Cameron, three, of United Way, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a tumour in his spine, at the end of 2007.

This was after his doctors and parents Catherine and Robert noticed a small lump on his neck.

Following a chest scan at The Children’s Hospital for Wales, Cardiff, his parents were also told he would never be able to walk due to the tumour crushing spinal nerves.

This has left him paralysed from the waist down and Cameron has to use a wheelchair.

The diagnosis has meant that during the past three years Cameron, who has an older brother Aaron, seven, and a younger sister Olivia, 18 months, has undergone three bouts of chemotherapy as well as six operations including biopsies on smaller tumours on his neck and chest.

But remaining brave through it all, he is now a nursery pupil at Deighton Primary School and is not letting anything get in his way.

Mrs Hudd said: "Cameron has been through such a tough time but he has continued to be such a happy little boy. It really is truly overwhelming the courage he has shown."

Mr and Mrs Hudd finally received the good news they have always longed for last week when they were told that there was no cancer left in Cameron's body.

Although the now-dormant tumour can never be removed from his spine and Cameron still has to have regular check-ups, it is hoped he will no longer be affected by the disease.

Mrs Hudd said: "This is a new year that we will never forget and we hope that this news will bring hope to any other family who may be experiencing the news that their child has cancer."

Cameron’s grandmother Anne Hudd, who nominated Cameron for his award, said: “Cameron is truly special to us all.”

To nominate someone for a Cancer Research UK Little Star award, which is run in partnership with TK Maxx, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/littlestar