A bell toll that signals joy and relief for Aarush and his family

After three-and-a-half years of chemotherapy for leukaemia, seven-year-old Aarush Sivaranjan experienced the joy of ringing the end-of-treatment bell at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Aarush visited Tiger Ward at the Woolwich hospital, together with his family from Lee, in Greenwich.

After reading a special poem, he rang the bell to signal the end of his treatment. As Aarush walked down the ward where he was treated, hospital staff cheered and applauded him.

Aarush’s dad, Sivaranjan Mylvaganam, said: “Aarush was just four years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

“We noticed he was weak, tired, and eating less, so we contacted his GP, who sent him for a blood test, and we were shocked to learn he had leukaemia. We were sent straight to the Tiger Ward team at QEH.

“One word to describe the Tiger Ward team is ‘exceptional’. Every member of the team kept us updated on Aarush’s treatment. We were supported from day one and they made sure we understood everything. In celebration of him ringing the bell, we made homemade curries and snacks to show our appreciation for the team.

“We are extremely proud of Aarush for everything he has overcome and we can’t express enough gratitude to this incredible team for providing the best care to our son.”

Cat Wilde, lead Macmillan Paediatric Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist on Tiger Ward, said:  “Aarush has been under the care of Tiger Ward for three and half years and he and his family have shown immense strength and determination throughout this time.

“It was such a special day when Aarush and his family came to ring the end of treatment bell. There were cheers and tears all round when Aarush rang the bell, such a privileged occasion to have been a part of.

“As a thank you, the family prepared a feast that fed the entire paediatric department, as well as gifts and cards for all staff members. They truly spoilt each and every one of us.

“Aarush was a joy to look after and it was a pleasure getting to know his family during this time. We look forward to seeing Aarush thrive in follow up clinic.”

The chemotherapy bell was funded by the charity, End of Treatment Bells.

Pictured top: Cat Wilde (left) with Aarush and his mum, dad and sister (Picture: Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust)