Ukrainian evacuee Zlata rings end of treatment cancer bell at Alder Hey

Patient Zlata has rang the end of treatment bell at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, two years after fleeing war in Ukraine.

Five year old Zlata rang the end of treatment bell on 20^th May 2024 to mark the end of cancer treatment at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, just over two years since fleeing from Ukraine at the outbreak of war.

Zlata was among 21 seriously ill children who were transported with their families from Ukraine to the UK, in March 2022, to have cancer treatment on the NHS. Their care was transferred to Alder Hey and six other hospitals across England.

Zlata’s home city of Kharkiv is on the border of Russia and Ukraine and was heavily attacked at the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Zlata had been having treatment for leukaemia in Kharkiv when it was hit by Russian bombs. Along with other families, they hid underground in a makeshift ward.

Mum Alina said:

“We were living a normal life in the Ukraine when suddenly Zlata became unwell with a cold that wouldn’t shift. We went for tests and were given the devastating news that it was leukaemia which is a cancer of the blood. We were actually in the hospital when the war began and once again our lives were turned upside down. It was very scary because we were bombed every day and there was lots of problems with medicines but thankfully we were given a lifeline.”

Zlata has been undergoing treatment at Alder Hey with daily chemotherapy for the past two years, she was finally able to ring the end of treatment bell which signals the end of her treatment for cancer, surrounded by her family and the haematology/oncology staff who mum Alina described as her ‘angels’. Dad Vladymyr was able to join them shortly after the treatment at Alder Hey began and the family celebrated in the city of Liverpool, which they now call their home from home.

Zlata’s Haematology Consultant Dr Kat Lindsay said:

“We wish Zlata and her family all the love and luck in the world. It has been a hugely challenging two years for them all but we’re so proud we could share this huge milestone with them and that Zlata can go on to thrive through the rest of her childhood, free of cancer.”

Mum Alina said “Zlata is only five years old but has had two big wars to fight. We’re so grateful for the wonderful people in this hospital who have become our saviours and to Britain for giving us hope. I hope one day we can return safely to the Ukraine but Liverpool and its wonderful people and Alder Hey will always be in our hearts.”

The war in Ukraine is still raging on, but Zlata now has one less battle to fight.

Alder Hey is supported by ‘Alder Hey Children’s Charity which aims to raise vital funds for lifesaving equipment, research projects and patient experience initiatives. For more information visit www.alderhey.nhs.uk and www.alderheycharity.org