A MOTHER’S sixth sense that her baby son needed urgent medical attention probably saved his life.

Mum Kam Hirani got him to a hospital and was told without urgent treatment, he had 48 hours to live.

Diyan, then one, was critically ill with acute myeloid leukaemia.

Kam, from East Ham, London, said: “It came as an absolute 100% shock. I thought we were going to lose him for ever. I was numb and confused – how could a one-year-old tolerate the treatment they were about to give him?”

But Diyan did tolerate it. He dealt with it well and even though it was tough at times, he got through it. And last month he rang the bell to signal he had finished treatment and was cancer free.

Now Diyan, two, has been honoured as part of a special awards show celebrating the courage of children diagnosed with cancer.
Diyan has received a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award, in partnership with TK Maxx, for the courage he has shown during his treatment.

He was one of 15 children from across the UK recognised during the virtual event.

The show was hosted by children affected by the disease and was made to highlight the impact cancer has on young lives and encourage more nominations for the Star award in the run up to Christmas.

The touching film sees the recipients deliver heart-warming acceptance speeches, ‘strut their stuff’ on a red carpet and break-out their best dance moves in celebration of the award.

Diyan dances down the red carpet and drives his super sports car while showing off his silver star award.

The first signs of Diyan’s illness emerged in March last year when he was just one. He was eating less, a little quieter than usual, complained of tummy ache, had a slightly swollen belly and wanted to be carried rather than being his playful self.

But Kam’s parents were visiting from India at the time and she put it down to him enjoying the attention from his grandparents.

But then Diyan began eating less and less and started losing significant amounts of weight. Then one day he fell and bumped his head which resulted in a bruise.

“This was quite normal for Diyan because he was a very hyper child and full of mischief!
“I didn’t think anything of it at first but the bruise didn’t go away,” said Kam. “It was during lockdown so I called the GP and they told me they didn’t have any appointments available.

“But I insisted – I just had this gut feeling that something wasn’t right. Sometimes you get tips from the One above, and that’s what it felt like.”
Eventually a GP rang her out of hours and after she explained Diyan’s symptoms, she was told to take him straight to A&E at Newham Hospital.

“They took some blood and before I knew it, there were nine or 10 doctors in the room. They said they had bad news and insisted my husband Kishor came in. He was waiting in the car as only one parent was allowed into the hospital, so I was surprised.

“Once he arrived, the doctor broke the bad news that they suspected our son had leukaemia.”
The family was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital the following morning and they confirmed he had acute myeloid leukaemia. He started chemotherapy the same day.

Kam said: “It all happened so quickly. I can barely remember it but it felt like my world was falling apart. I kept thinking they must have someone else’s results, not Diyan’s. Cancer was something that you see on the TV – it didn’t happen to real people like us.”

Thankfully, Diyan is now well and back doing what he loves – singing and dancing to his favourite music and playing with big sister Kiara, who missed him terribly when he was in hospital and she was unable to visit because she was at school and mixing with other children so there was a high risk of infection.

Famous faces appearing in the film include singer/songwriter Pixie Lott, TV personalities Dr Ranj and Joe Tasker, and TikTok stars Flossie Clegg, Lewys Ball and Olivia Neill who sent messages of support.

On the tough treatment experienced by children like Diyan, Pixie Lott said: “Every child who confronts cancer is a star in their own right. Cancer can have a devastating impact on young lives and what these children have to endure for months, and even years, is unimaginable.

“That’s why I’m proud to be supporting the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards and helping to put these amazing youngsters in the spotlight, where they belong.”

Kam said: “Diyan has dealt with his treatment like a soldier. Finishing his treatment was the happiest day of our lives but also the fear of a new journey beginning.

“It’s really important to keep raising awareness about what children and young people go through. We’ve always known Diyan is a VIP, but it was extra special to see him shine on screen as part of the Star Awards show.
“We’re so proud of him and we hope his star turn inspires other families to get nominating.”

Kam and Kishor had no qualms about sharing their story.
“We decided from day one that anything – anything – we could do to help another family through this experience, we would do it.
“Diyan’s is a success story and I want other kids and parents to have the same hope that we managed to find”.
Around 240 children in London are diagnosed with cancer every year*.

The Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards are open to all children under 18 who live in the UK and have been treated for cancer within the past five years.** There is no judging panel because the charity believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition.

Every eligible child who is nominated receives a trophy, a £50 TK Maxx gift card, a t-shirt and a certificate signed by celebrities supporting the campaign. Their siblings also receive a certificate.

Lynn Daly, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People spokesperson for London, said: “Diyan is a proper little star who has been through so much at such a young age. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate his courage with a Star Award and to mark the occasion with a special show.

“Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment – and many youngsters may experience serious long-term side effects. That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to ensure more children and young people survive cancer with a good quality of life.

“We’re urging people to nominate inspirational children like Diyan now, so that many more can receive the acknowledgement they so richly deserve.”

Great Ormond Street Hospital in London is one of the many centres across the UK taking part in ground-breaking clinical trials coordinated by Cancer Research UK’s Children’s Cancer Trials Team. These trials make innovative new treatments available to children with cancer in London.

The Star Awards are run in partnership with TK Maxx, the biggest corporate supporter of Cancer Research UK’s work into children’s and young people’s cancers. Since 2004, the retailer has raised more than £40m for vital research to help improve survival and reduce the long-term side effects of treatments.

To nominate a star visit cruk.org/starawards.