Doctors said I was ‘overdramatic’ and my toddler had nursery bugs – weeks later a blood test changed our world overnight

AS her toddler battled endless coughs and colds, doctors told Sophie Sparks she was being an ‘overdramatic first-time parent’. They insisted the tot was just picking up nursery bugs – but alarm bells rang for the mum when she noticed that little Darcey never seemed to recover between illnesses. Sophie Sparks was told little Darcey was just picking up nursery bugs Credit: SWNS But a blood test weeks later revealed she had cancer Credit: SWNS Her fears were confirmed weeks later, when blood tests showed the 17-month-old had leukaemia. Mum-of-two Sophie, from Rainham, Essex, said: “Darcy had been unwell for around six weeks beforehand. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! “It started with what seemed like normal coughs and colds, so we didn’t think much of it at first. “The problem was that she never seemed to recover from one illness before the next one started. Darcey always seemed to be getting ill Credit: SWNS The tot while undergoing chemotherapy Credit: SWNS “She might have one or two good days, then she’d be poorly again with high temperatures and complete exhaustion. She just wasn’t herself.” Darcey was treated for tonsillitis, and given throat spray at A&E despite having a temperature above 40°C – but doctors kept insisting Sophie had nothing to worry about. “Every time we took her to a doctor, we raised concerns about it, but we were repeatedly told it was a minor illness she probably picked up at nursery or constipation,” the mum said. “Because we could never get an appointment with our own GP, we ended up visiting walk-in centres three times and A&E once. Most read in Health “Each time, we were told she was simply building her immune system, that she was young, and that these things were normal and we were just being overdramatic first-time parents. “She was prescribed antibiotics several times, but nothing seemed to improve. “We knew in our gut that something wasn’t right.” After a few weeks, Sophie noticed Darcey’s stomach had started to swell and she stopped eating. Darcey two years into treatment Credit: SWNS Common symptoms of childhood cancer Common childhood cancer symptoms can include: Feeling very tired and exhausted all of the time and/or noticeable skin paleness Having lots of infections (such as ear, throat or chest) that don’t go away or keep coming back Having flu-like symptoms that don’t go away (such as lethargy, high temperature, being sick) Unexplained or excessive bleeding such as in urine, poo or when being sick Bruising easily or a rash of small red spots on the skin (called ‘petechiae’) Persistent and unexplained sweating or fever especially at night Aches and pains that don’t go away, especially in the bones, joints, back or legs, and may be worse at night Unexplained new limp or leg weakness Changes when going for a poo such as constipation, diarrhoea, pain or feeling of not having finished Feeling a lump, swelling or unusual firmness anywhere on the body, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits Losing a significant and unexplained amount of weight in teenagers Slow growth in children Change in behaviour such as persistent crying and screaming in young children, sleeping a lot, being off food Source: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association A GP finally recognised that Darcey looked seriously unwell and arranged an urgent hospital assessment at Queen’s Hospital in Romford, Essex. Sophie said: “We noticed her stomach was becoming very swollen. “Eventually we got a GP appointment and as soon as the doctor saw her, he was alarmed. “She was extremely pale, almost yellow in complexion. He immediately told us to take her straight to A&E. “Even then, we spent four hours waiting before anyone saw us. “They told us she appeared fine at which point I was beside myself and pushed for tests.” Within 24 hours of doing blood tests, Darcey was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in November 2022. “Once blood tests were done, the nurses face changed and told us Darcy was incredibly anaemic,” Sophie recalled. Darcey at the end of her treatment in May 2025 Credit: SWNS Darcey with her family celebrating no more chemotherapy Credit: SWNS “We were told she needed a blood transfusion and would have to stay overnight. “At around 1am a doctor came to see us and said they’d reviewed her blood results. “They didn’t know exactly what was wrong, but they believed she had leukaemia. Within a single day, our whole world had changed. “Within 48 hours we were at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Darcy was starting chemotherapy.” Darcey underwent two years of treatment and chemotherapy, during which she was in and out of hospital due to the gruelling affects of the treatment. The youngster, now aged five, was eventually told she was cancer free in December 2024, and ranga bell to mark the milestone. Sophie, an aviation insurance claims manager, added: “Looking back, it’s hard not to question why it took six weeks to reach that diagnosis. “I don’t blame individual doctors, but I do think the bigger picture was missed. Darcey with her family in 2026 Credit: SWNS She loves being a big sister to Harry Credit: SWNS “Doctors see lots of coughs, colds and infections, and I understand that. But they should also listen to parents. “We kept saying that Darcy didn’t look right, that her stomach was swollen, that she was unusually pale and exhausted. Parents know when their child has changed. “But once we entered the NHS cancer system, the care was incredible.” Darcey started school in September last year, with Sophie saying she’s doing “brilliantly” and loving life as a big sister to one-year-old Harry. Sophie, who is married to husband Jon, 37, a carpenter, added: “Seeing her walk into reception was one of the proudest and most emotional moments of our lives, especially after everything she’d been through. “When you know you could have lost your child, after all she’d been through, it was really special. “Darcy has faced every stage of this journey with extraordinary bravery. “When she was three years old, she told nursery staff, ‘I want to be a doctor so I can make people better like they made me better.’ “That was incredibly special to hear.” Sophie is now warning other parents to trust their instincts. “You know your child better than anyone,” she said. “If they’re unusually tired, pale, developing swellings, or simply don’t seem themselves, keep pushing for answers. Childhood cancer can develop quickly, and early diagnosis saves lives. “Even if it turns out to be nothing serious, it’s always worth getting concerns checked. “Knowing the signs and symptoms, and trusting your gut as a parent, could make all the difference.” Comment now