Scottish youngster who beat aggressive cancer set for life-saving vaccine in New York

A brave Scottish girl who beat cancer is set to jet off to New York for specialist treatment to make sure it never returns.

Little Ava Bolton, four, is heading to the Big Apple next week where her family hope a trailblazing vaccine will give her the best chance of living a long and healthy future thanks to the kind help of locals.

The family has raised over £300,000 in a huge fundraising effort since Ava was diagnosed with stage four high risk neuroblastoma – a rare but extremely aggressive childhood cancer.

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The youngster, from East Ayrshire, was only given a 50 per cent chance of survival, but is now marking the end of an 18-month battle.

As the Record reports, Ava’s family are determined to ensure she lives the best possible life and does not have to relive the last year and a half. She is set to receive specialist treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Centre in the States.

Medics have developed a jab which could stop her cancer returning. Dad Scott, 35, said: “We’re all absolutely thrilled that Ava has beaten cancer.

“She’s shown so much strength and courage every step of the way.

“18 months ago, our world collapsed and I remember we were looking at a scan that showed 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.”

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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 continued: “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.”

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Scott says every penny of the funds raised by Ava’s army of supporters has been plunged into her treatment and travel costs and that the family will be forever grateful for the help they have received.

He added: “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.”