A Birmingham family has vowed to make the best of a heartbreaking situation, spending Christmas Day within the walls of a hospital room after their young son suffered a devastating relapse.
A Festive Season Like No Other
Shaunna and James Bourne, from Chelmsley Wood, along with their 11-year-old daughter Ava, are marking a subdued festive period at Birmingham Children's Hospital. Their usual tradition of a house filled with relatives has been replaced by a quiet vigil beside their five-year-old son, Marley, who is fighting Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
"In mid-November we realised there was no way Marley would be home for Christmas," Shaunna explained. "He's so poorly, he needs his treatment and his immune system is at rock bottom." The family resolved to create a small celebration in his hospital room, prioritising his long-term health over their festive wishes. "If giving up this Christmas means Marley has the chance to see more Christmases, that's what we'll do," she added.
A Long and Arduous Medical Journey
Marley's battle began in December 2022, shortly after his second birthday, when Shaunna noticed unexplained rashes and bruising. After a GP's antibiotics failed to help, his condition worsened on Boxing Day, leading to an A&E visit. Blood tests prompted an immediate transfer to Birmingham Children's Hospital.
The family's world was shattered on December 29, 2022, with the diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, a rare and aggressive blood cancer. Marley began chemotherapy within weeks and, after five gruelling months, entered remission, ringing the bell to signal the end of treatment.
Tragically, ten months later, a routine check revealed a relapse. Marley, then just three, endured another round of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant in July 2024. He rang the bell a second time and was discharged in time for his fourth birthday.
The relief was short-lived. In March 2025, a call from his consultant brought the family back. Tests showed signs of cancer in his bone marrow, and by June 2025, Marley had relapsed for a second time. He has since undergone more chemotherapy, a trial drug, and a second stem cell transplant, this time suffering severe blistering and aggressive side effects.
Finding Festive Cheer in a Hospital Ward
Despite the challenging environment, the hospital and its charity have worked to inject magic into the season. "The hospital and its charity have done so much," Shaunna said gratefully. Wards are decorated, a grotto is set up for patients, and special visitors, including Santa and local football clubs, have dropped by. "It's made the world of difference for Marley," she noted.
Annie Eytle, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity, stated: "We're on a mission to make Christmas as magical as possible for our patients, especially those like Marley, who are too poorly to be at home." She emphasised that this festive effort is only possible through public support and donations.
The family's story highlights the relentless reality for many facing childhood cancer, even during a time of universal celebration. Their courage underscores a simple hope: that this hospital Christmas will pave the way for many happier ones at home in the future.
