Norwich's Kayla Buttle making memories after cancer relapse

Four-year-old Kayla Buttle was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma - an aggressive cancer with a 40-50pc chance of long-term survival at diagnosis - in May 2021, then aged three.

Her cancer was what is known as refractory stable disease, but in the latest development cancerous cells have spread to her spine and pelvis, in her bone and bone marrow.

Kayla Buttle, four, on a trip to Disneyland in January 2023 (Image: Stacey Buttle)

The family, of Fountains Road in Tuckswood, are still awaiting news of if it has spread to soft tissue.

Kayla's mum Stacey said: "This is a devastating blow.

"If you look at the stats, if you relapse it reduces your chances of long-term survival considerably.

Kayla Buttle dressed as a superhero (Image: Stacey Buttle)

"So we're going to focus on her fundraiser, but also think about funding dreams, wishes and memories."

The Buttle family of five - including dad Wayne and brothers Riley and Kory, 10 and eight - have just returned from a trip to Disney and hope to make more cherished memories.

Kayla's 18-month journey has seen her endure a plethora of treatments and undergo numerous scans both, with fundraisers to support the family on clinical trials overseas to stop her neuroblastoma from returning.

Four-year-old Kayla Buttle at Ride for Kayla in April 2022 a 130-vehicle convoy from Longwater which ended at Salhouse Lodge to raise funds for pioneering cancer treatment stateside (Image: Archant 2022)

Stacey and Kayla flew to New York at the end of November for a month-long stint to start a three-year experimental cancer trial.

The trip was cut short when two scans showed that there are still cancerous cells in her bone marrow, which meant she could not have the first of three years' worth of vaccines administered.

Stacey hopes that family activities during Kayla's treatment will give them glimmers of normality.

Kayla Buttle with brothers Riley and Kory at Disneyland (Image: Stacey Buttle)

"This year's focus is making sure whatever Kayla wants to do, we go and do," she added.

"We're doing whatever it takes. She's going to do things we never thought she could.

"We have to make memories because time isn't guaranteed.

Kayla Buttle in her Magdalen Gates Primary School uniform (Image: Stacey Buttle)

"And it's not just for Kayla, it's for all of us.

"You've got to embrace life as it comes. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow.

"It's a harsh reality out there, but we're not going down without a fight."