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Lena flies back to the UK to receive cancer treatment

Oct 21, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Aug 17

Krakow, Poland > Southampton Children's Hospital, UK

1,100 miles

A toddler in a plane seats a teddy bear labelled Lia's Wings, sitting on a grey blanket by oval windows.

Lena’s family had travelled to Poland for her sister’s christening when, on that very day, Lena suddenly developed purple blotches and was rushed to the hospital. Their world was turned upside down when they learned that Lena had acute leukaemia.


As Lena began chemotherapy in Poland, her family, from Bournemouth, became desperate to bring her back to the UK for treatment closer to home. Faced with conflicting advice and dead ends, they were overwhelmed until they found Lia’s Wings. We stepped in, offering not only guidance but also a clear solution, giving the family hope in an otherwise impossible situation.


Split image of a man holding a toddler on a plane and on an airport tarmac beside a private jet, both calm and serious

After 33 days of chemotherapy treatment, Lena would have a two-week window to fly back to the UK. Lia’s Wings had to act fast. Lia’s Wings arranged an air ambulance that flew Lena and her dad, Ollie, back to the UK to continue her treatment at Southampton Children's Hospital.


While her family was relieved to be back home, they faced the heartbreaking reality of her condition. Being closer to home gave them the strength of their support network as they braced for the fight ahead. We continue to support Lena and her family through this incredibly difficult time.


Ollie shared:

“The financial support you gave us is mind-blowing. You handled all the logistics and admin, and the transfer was flawless. I was so impressed. You are a fantastic group of people, a credit to the charity.”

We’re honoured to have played a part in Lena’s journey, ensuring she could continue her fight at home with her family.


Split image of baby girl in pink with a teddy bear labeled Lia's Wings, in a stroller and hospital bed, reaching for food.

Update: July 2026


After 781 days of chemotherapy/treatment, we are so happy to say that Lena has rung the bell and completed what has been a long journey of intense treatment.


Lena was in Poland celebrating her sister’s christening when she became seriously ill and was diagnosed with leukaemia. We helped bring her home so she could receive the urgent, life-saving treatment she needed, surrounded by her family and friends.


Two years later, she is waving goodbye to it all.


Young girl in hospital corridor, front and back, in white shirt reading Leukemia picked the wrong girl; back says 781 days completed.

Thanks to your incredible support, we were able to help Lena access this life-saving treatment. Your generosity helped make sure she could come home, receive vital care and focus on getting better. We're so happy for Lena and the whole family. Here's to Lena's next exciting chapter!



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