A YOUNG girl received the best Christmas present she could have asked for this week - after declaring herself cancer-free by ‘ringing the bell’ at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Indie Violet Senior, ten, from Athersley North, was diagnosed with leukaemia in October 2022 and has since been undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Her mum, 35-year-old Siobhan, described Indie as a ‘remarkably tough girl’ - and said that the last few years have been hard on the family.

She told the Chronicle: “It’s been horrific.

“We’ve been back and forth to the hospital

“It’s been really tough for everyone - especially Indie - but we’ve all managed to get through it together.”

Despite the diagnosis, Indie never let it get her down.

“It goes without saying that Indie has been so strong,” she said.

“She’s absolutely remarkable in every way.

“She was known on the ward to be so happy - she was always smiling.

“She used to go in with a full set of nails on and her make up.”

Indie recently received the news that she had been waiting for - that she was cancer free.

She had her final dose of chemotherapy last Thursday and had the port removed from her chest.

Siobhan said her daughter was a real warrior who she couldn’t be more proud of.

And on Monday Indie finally got to the Christmas present she had been dreaming of - as she rang the bell at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The family are now gearing up for their first Christmas in two years they can fully enjoy.

“I can’t think of a better Christmas present,” she added.

“It was so emotional.

“Indie is just so happy.

“She’s now able to go back to school and she’s not feeling poorly anymore.

“Her hair is growing back as well.

“She’s been focusing on her make up while going through the treatment - I think that was her escape.

“I can’t put into words how happy we all are.

“We’re going to spoil her rotten this year.

“Indie was in hospital at Christmas in 2022 and last year we were all on standby if we needed to take her to hospital.

“The last two Christmases have been horrific but this year we’re really going to be able to enjoy it.

“It’s going to be a very special day.

“She’s got a new Pomeranian puppy who’s so cute - she’s so happy.”

The youngster even sent a heartfelt card to Anthony Cussions, her consultant, on the day.

It said: “Tony, thank you for looking after me.

“I will never forget you for saving my life as well as many more.”

Siobhan said she couldn’t have done it without the support of her family and friends - and she’s hoping Indie’s story will show other families going through similar situations that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

“She’s been at Sheffield Children’s Hospital throughout this and I can’t thank them enough,” she added.

“They have been amazing.

“In a very tough situation, the staff have been absolutely outstanding.

“I’ve had about 1,000 messages about Indie since the news.

“People are so kind and it’s been lovely to hear what people have had to say.

“Everyone couldn’t wait to see the video of her ringing the bell.”