Diversity 'inspired' by young fan who faced cancer

Keeley was nominated for the Cancer Research UK award by her mother

Dance troupe Diversity have described being "touched and inspired" by the story of one of their young fans who has faced treatment for a rare cancer.

They sent nine-year-old Keeley a personal message after hearing she won a Cancer Research UK award in recognition of her bravery.

Keeley, from Gillingham in Dorset, was diagnosed with soft tissue cancer rhabdomyosarcoma near her eye in 2017.

She is now recovering after undergoing treatment both in the UK and US.

Keeley and her family went to see Diversity in a panto at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton

Ashley Banjo - the leader of the 2009 Britain's Got Talent winners - asked Keeley and her family to watch them in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.

In a video message, Banjo said: "We just wanted to say a massive hello and tell you how touched and inspired we were by your bravery.

"We've heard all about you and also how you love to dance so we'd love to invite you to watch us in this year's panto.

"We're really excited about it and hopefully we get to see you and maybe even swap some moves."

Keeley received chemotherapy and travelled to Florida for proton beam therapy

Keeley was three years old when her mother Faye spotted something was wrong.

"I noticed her left eye was sticking out a little bit and it wasn't level with the other one," she said.

"I took her to the optician who thought it was conjunctivitis but when it didn't improve after several investigations, I pushed to be referred to Salisbury District Hospital. 

"Within one appointment they knew straight away that it was something serious and they kept us in overnight.

"The next day we were sent to University Hospital Southampton who confirmed that Keeley had a type of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma.

"I'd never heard of it before and apart from her eye, to look at her you wouldn't have known there was anything wrong. She had just been doing what three year olds do."

What is rhabdomyosarcoma?

• Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma

• Soft tissue sarcomas can develop in almost any part of the body, including the legs, arms and abdomen

• They often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages.

• Symptoms such as swelling under the skin can develop as they get bigger or spread

Source: NHS

Keeley went on to receive chemotherapy in Southampton and proton beam therapy in Florida.

A tumour remains behind her eye but doctors have said it is stable and will be monitored annually with MRI scans.

"She handled everything that she had to face at such a young age," said Faye.

"Being so tiny, you'd think it would be difficult, but she did so well getting through her treatment."

Diversity sent a personal message to Keeley praising her bravery

It was this that inspired her to nominate Keeley for a Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People Star Award - a scheme run in partnership with retailer TK Maxx.

"Her growth has been affected slightly by her treatment but it's not stopping her from doing the things she loves like dancing and swimming," Faye added.

"She's had a good Christmas and she loved seeing Diversity in the panto and now has her award up on display."

Cancer Research UK spokesperson Elisa Mitchell said: "Keeley is a real star who has been through so much at such a young age.

"It has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate her courage with a Star Award."