The parents of a one-year-old girl who died of blood cancer in 2010 are to throw a fundraiser in collaboration with staff at the newly-renovated Royston Day Nursery.

Nicola Samuels, who works at the nursery in Lumen Road, said she is says she is honoured that her employer is holding the open day in memory of her beloved daughter, Mia, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at four months old.

“Nothing could have prepared us for the shock of Mia’s diagnosis and in that moment our world came crashing down,” said Nicola.

“We were completely and utterly devastated – Mia’s life had barely begun, so how it was even possible that something so cruel could happen to a helpless little baby?”

Following the diagnosis, which was brought about after two months of feeding problems, Mia was put on an immediate induction course of steroids and chemotherapy at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Nicola and Mia’s dad Ben’s hopes were raised when doctors told them her cancer was in remission.

All that was needed to complete Mia’s treatment and chance of long-term survival was a bone marrow transplant, scheduled to take place at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London the next month.

In a cruel twist of fate, Mia suddenly became very ill with three infections, her cancer had relapsed, and treatment failed to work.

“We faced the realisation and devastation that Mia would be taken from us,” said Nicola.

“We had no option but to find the strength to get Mia through her final days and the day would come when we would have to say goodbye.”

Mia passed away in her parents’ arms just days after they celebrated her first birthday.

Six years on, Nicola and Ben are determined to ensure Mia’s legacy is kept alive and never forgotten in their ‘Team Mia’ project, as well as raising funds for Bloodwise cancer charity.

Royston Day Nursery are holding a fundraising open day for their revamped premises.

The nursery initially opened in December 2013 and after a huge overhaul and renovation this year, staff are inviting the community to come along to have a look around while enjoying a family fun-filled day of activities to raise money in memory of baby Mia.

The open day will take place Saturday, September 17, from 11am to 4pm.

There will be plenty to see and do including age-appropriate activities in the nursery rooms, a children’s entertainer, face painting, bouncy castles, soft play, performances from Royston dance school GStars, cake stalls, a raffle, barbecue, bar and music.

If you would like to find out more about the day, or to donate to the cause, visit the Team Mia fundraising page.