Childhood cancer survivor defies odds to become a mother

A childhood cancer survivor, once warned that her treatment might prevent her from conceiving or carrying a child, has shared how defying those odds to become a mother has transformed her life.

Leah Cullen, 25, from Blyth, Northumberland, was diagnosed with tailbone cancer at just 13 and underwent intensive treatment that saved her life, but left her with lasting late effects.

Today, she lives with severe chronic pain and relies on a wheelchair outside the home – a daily reminder of the impact of harsh cancer treatments designed for adults, not growing children.

Doctors warned Leah that her treatment could significantly affect her chances of having children. The arrival of her daughter, Aria, one year ago was something she once thought might never be possible.

Leah said:

My ovaries, bowel and bladder were hit with radiation so doctors told me it was probably not possible to carry a baby full term. I was devastated and absolutely heartbroken.

When Leah discovered she was pregnant, her emotions were overwhelming:

I was hysterical. I convinced myself I wouldn’t be a good enough mum, but at the same time there was so much joy knowing my body had done something I was told wasn’t possible.

Leah is taking part in Children with Cancer UK’s Real Stories awareness campaign, which gives patients and survivors a voice to share the realities of childhood cancer and highlight its lasting impact. She has previously spoken about how life after cancer affects her mobility and leaves her living with chronic pain. This latest chapter focuses on life beyond treatment and the everyday challenges survivors continue to face.

I have severe chronic pain from my lower back all the way down to my feet. I’m wheelchair-bound outside the house because walking is so painful.

Now focused on creating joyful memories for her daughter, Leah says motherhood has reshaped how she views her health, her pain and her future:

The last year has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but without a doubt the most rewarding.

Being a disabled mum is hard. My chronic pain hasn’t eased, but seeing her little face is all I need on a bad pain day. I’m doing it for her, and that’s the best reason to keep going.

I don’t want Aria growing up feeling like anything was different because her mum is disabled. I just want to give her the happiest childhood possible.

Children with Cancer UK, the leading UK charity supporting families and funding vital childhood cancer research, says Leah’s story reflects a wider issue facing survivors.

Every day in the UK, 10 children are diagnosed with cancer. While eight of those children survive, five will live with long-term side effects – that’s 62.5% of survivors – which can include chronic pain, fertility issues and other serious health conditions.

Gavin Maggs, Chief Executive of Children with Cancer UK, said: 

Leah’s story shows that surviving childhood cancer is only part of the journey. Many children and young people with cancer get a death sentence or a life sentence with permanent side effects, which is why funding research into kinder treatments and better long-term care is so vital. Every child deserves not just the chance to survive, but the chance to thrive.

Despite ongoing physical challenges, Leah says becoming a mother has brought unexpected positivity:

My mental health is the best it’s ever been. Before Aria, I had given up hope of ever feeling truly happy. If I was in pain or exhausted, I’d stay in bed all day. I was existing and not living. Now I have a purpose and a real reason to live. Everything I do is for her.

By sharing her story, Leah hopes to raise awareness of childhood cancer survivorship and offer reassurance to others facing uncertainty about their future:

If someone had told me I’d be here with a one-year-old, I would have said that was impossible. Yet here I am, in the best place I’ve ever been. It sounds clichéd, but things really can get better – not just in small ways, but in ways you never imagined.

To watch Leah’s film, visit: Real Stories Revisited | Leah and Aria | Children with Cancer UK – YouTube. 

To support Children with Cancer UK’s mission, learn more about the vital research the charity funds, or make a donation, visit: www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk