Little Pippa Cole has been declared cancer free

They are the words the parents of little Pippa thought they would never hear.

But as they sat down on Monday afternoon they were told their four-year-old daughter no longer had cancer.

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Pippa Cole, who had been diagnosed with terminal brain, spine and spinal fluid cancer, now has no trace of the disease.

Her parents Michelle and Scott have spent the past few years believing she could beat it – and are now left reeling at what they say is ‘the best news you could ever, ever, hope to hear.’

Michelle said: “We were told to come in to see the consultant as he had some good news. You just think it’ll be something about the treatment working well.

“He sat us down and told us that she had no sign of the cancer where it had been. I couldn’t believe it at first.

“I asked whether this meant she was all clear. He said yes. They said they couldn’t rule out it returning but at this moment in time she is a happy, healthy, little girl.

“We’re still coming to terms with it. We always believe she could beat it but you just can’t prepare yourself for that moment. It’s a miracle. Our little miracle.”

Starting school

Pippa is about to start school near their home in Scorton in September, and she’ll be attending it like any other pupil.

“We’ll still need to go back for check ups,” said Michelle, “but it means we can just concentrate on being a family now.

“I told Pippa she was all better now. And she replied ‘was I not well?’. That’s kids for you!

“We’ve been going into hospital for the last three years and three days, so it’s just huge. It’s the best news you could ever hope to be given.”

Pippa during recent trips to hospital

Overwhelming support

The plight of Pippa had captured the attention of Prestonians and those further afield. Nearly 3,000 people are following a Facebook page dedicated to fundraising for Pippa to receive Proton Beam Theraphy.

Read more: Pippa enjoys Princess-themed birthday party

Michelle said: “We never did do the therapy. All the funding was donated. I can’t express how thankful I am to everyone for their messages and their support.

“I put out a note on the Facebook page and it’s reached more than 70,000 people! It’s amazing how generous and lovely people are.

“I’d also like to thank the consultant John Paul Kilday and all of the NHS staff. Everyone who has worked with Pippa has been amazing. I cannot fault them.”

Pippa turns five in February and Michelle said for the moment they were just enjoying the moment.

Pippa, right, out on an adventure in Beacon Fell with her friend Eve

She said: “We’re packing up the caravan and off to Anglesey this weekend for a break.

“It just goes to show you can never give up. We never stopped believing, never stopping thinking there might be some new technology, or breakthrough. It’s your daughter. You don’t give up on them.”

And now for Pippa there’s a lifetime of opportunities ahead of her.

Do you know Pippa? Have you followed her battle with cancer? You can leave your comments and messages of support below

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