Brave brain tumour girl jets off for life-saving vaccine after public raise £300k

A brave girl who i s cancer free after an 18-month battle has flown to New York City to ensure the disease does not return and she has the “best chance”.

Ava Bolton, four, was given a 50/50 chance of survival after she was found “riddled” with rare and aggressive childhood cancer neuroblastoma. Ava, from East Ayrshire, Scotland, has beaten the odds and now she and her family are set to fly to the USA for specialist treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Centre, where specialists have developed a jab which could stop her cancer coming back.

Her family raised more than £300,000 to get Ava’s treatment with the help of donations from kind strangers and supporters. Dad Scott told the Daily Record : “We’re all absolutely thrilled Ava has beaten cancer. She’s shown so much strength and courage every step of the way.

“Eighteen months ago, our world collapsed and I remember we were looking at a scan showing cancer from Ava’s head to her ankles. She was completely riddled with it.

“We were told she would only have a 50/50 chance of survival. It was horrendous. To know she is cancer free just shows how strong she is. She’s defied the odds. For us as parents though, we can’t relax and we’re still focused on this vaccine treatment working for Ava and ensuring she gets the best care.”

Ava will spend a month in New York with her dad, mum Natalie, 35, and older brother Lucas, 6. She will then visit the city a further four times over the next year for aftercare at the specialist child cancer facility.

Scott added: “It’s been a bit stressful. We’ve had to get samples and loads of paperwork sent over to the centre but now we’re looking forward to it.

“For Ava and Lucas, it will be a well deserved holiday and we’ll make sure they enjoy loads of time seeing the city in between hospital visits. It was brilliant to announce Ava had beaten cancer.

“So many people have followed her story and fought this along with us. We’re still overwhelmed by the support and the funds raised are now being put to use. Thanks to them, Ava has now got the best chance."