Blyth childhood cancer survivor shares journey to motherhood against the odds
A childhood cancer survivor, once warned that she may never be able to conceive, has shared how defying those odds to become a mother transformed her life.
Leah Cullen, 25, from Blyth, was diagnosed with tailbone cancer at just 13 and underwent intensive treatment that saved her life, but left her with lasting late effects.
Today, she lives with severe chronic pain and relies on a wheelchair outside the home.
Doctors warned Leah that her treatment could significantly affect her chances of having children.
She said: “My ovaries, bowel and bladder were hit with radiation, so doctors told me it was probably not possible to carry a baby full term. I was devastated and absolutely heartbroken.”
The arrival of her daughter, Aria, one year ago was something she once thought might never be possible.
“I was hysterical,” Leah admitted. “I convinced myself I wouldn’t be a good enough mum, but at the same time there was so much joy knowing my body had done something I was told wasn’t possible.”
Leah is taking part in Children with Cancer UK’s Real Stories awareness campaign, which gives patients and survivors a voice to share the realities of childhood cancer and highlight its lasting impact.
This latest chapter focuses on life beyond treatment and the everyday challenges survivors continue to face.
Now focused on creating joyful memories for her daughter, Leah says motherhood has reshaped how she views her health, her pain and her future: “The last year has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but without a doubt the most rewarding.
“Being a disabled mum is hard. My chronic pain hasn’t eased, but seeing her little face is all I need on a bad pain day. I’m doing it for her, and that’s the best reason to keep going.
“I don’t want Aria growing up feeling like anything was different because her mum is disabled. I just want to give her the happiest childhood possible.”
Gavin Maggs, Chief Executive of Children with Cancer UK, added: "Leah’s story shows that surviving childhood cancer is only part of the journey.
"Many children and young people with cancer get a death sentence or a life sentence with permanent side effects, which is why funding research into kinder treatments and better long-term care is so vital.”