A mother in Solihull faced her worst nightmare when her baby son Marley was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) after she noticed unusual rashes and bruises covering his body.
In December 2022, just two months after his second birthday, Shaunna Bourne spotted the concerning symptoms on Marley’s skin. Initially, his GP prescribed antibiotics, but when there was no improvement, Shaunna’s instincts told her something far more serious was wrong.
By Boxing Day, Marley struggled to walk, unable to bear weight on his legs as his condition rapidly deteriorated. Shaunna took him to the A&E, where Marley remained overnight awaiting urgent blood test results. The outcome confirmed the devastating diagnosis: Marley had been struck by a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
READ MORE: Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour 2025 Ends Without Birmingham Visit
READ MORE: DWP Exempts Some PIP Recipients from New £400 Motability Charge
Within weeks, Marley, then five years old, began chemotherapy at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. After five months of treatment, the family received hopeful news—Marley had entered remission. However, their relief was short-lived. Just ten months later, routine checks revealed a relapse when Marley’s platelet levels dropped.
“It was heartbreaking,” said Shaunna. “Marley was only three when this all began, and to face the initial diagnosis, treatment, a remission, and then a relapse was overwhelming.”
Marley underwent another round of chemotherapy and a crucial stem cell transplant in July 2024. After nine weeks, he rang the remission bell again and was discharged just in time for his fourth birthday. The family hoped for brighter days, but in March 2025, Marley’s consultant called with more grim news—signs of cancer had returned in his bone marrow.
In June 2025, Marley experienced his second relapse. He bravely endured another intensive chemotherapy course and a second stem cell transplant. This treatment brought severe side effects, including blistering on his skin and other aggressive symptoms.
Now, Shaunna, her husband James, and their 11-year-old daughter Ava are preparing to spend Christmas with Marley in his hospital room. “When we realized mid-November that Marley wouldn’t be home for Christmas, my heart sank,” said Shaunna. “He’s so unwell and needs ongoing treatment with his immune system at its lowest.”
Despite the challenges, the family is making the most of the holiday season in the hospital. Thanks to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and its charity, the wards are decorated festively, there’s a grotto for patients, and special visitors—including Santa and local football clubs—have brought joy to Marley’s days.
Shaunna shared, “It’s not where we want to be, but if giving up this Christmas means Marley might have more Christmases to come, it’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make. The hospital feels like a second home now, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support that surrounds us.”
Annie Eytle, head of public fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re committed to making Christmas magical for our patients, especially those like Marley who can’t be at home. The generosity of our donors and community enables us to bring festive cheer and comfort to these brave children and their families.”