Courageous tot Katy Payne has defeated leukaemia after battling the disease for more than two years.

The five-year-old, who lives in Tolleshunt D'Arc, was diagnosed with the life-threatening illness on Christmas Eve, 2000.

After two years and two months of treatment, she had her last chemotherapy session the day before her birthday in February and has now been given the all-clear.

Yippee: Katy Payne, 5, has been cleared of leukaemia after a two-year battle. Picture: SEANA HUGHES

But Katy now faces five years of check-ups to make sure the disease does not return.

Her mother, Tracy, this week described the courageous youngster's moving reaction to the news that although she was finally free of leukaemia it could return.

She said her daughter put her hand on her shoulder and promised her that if the illness came back she would beat it again.

Mrs Payne, 38, is now planning to throw a party for the friends, family and Addenbrooke's Hospital doctors and nurses who helped Katy's fight against leukaemia.

Five Lakes Hotel in Tolleshunt Knights has agreed to provide a room for free for the occasion next month.

Mrs Payne, who lives in Oxley Hill, with her husband, Paul and Katy's three siblings, said the party would be a way to thank everyone who supported them.

Published Friday, April 25, 2003

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