A MUM has been allowed to hold her newborn daughter again for the first time in a week as her baby battles cancer.
Helen Shaw had been unable to hold four-week-old Macie in her arms after the baby was diagnosed with neuroblastoma – a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Now, nursing staff have allowed Helen to hold her baby girl once more as the infant undergoes her treatment.
Helen said: "When I got to hold Macie, it was just amazing.
"I was quite scared at first, what with all the tubes attached to her, but I cannot describe in words what it was like to hold her in my arms again.
"She is much more alert, considering all she has been through it is amazing she is awake as much as she is."
Macie is currently in intensive care at Leeds General Infirmary, although Helen and partner Mike are hoping she will be moved on to the oncology ward later today.
"She is off the ventilator now which is good, although she is being given oxygen to help her breathe," Helen said.
"She does look very yellow at the moment and she will have more tests this week to see if the cancer has spread to her liver.
"It is likely she will need more chemotherapy as well."
Since hearing Macie's story, more than 2,000 people have joined a Facebook page to support Helen and Mike.
The group was set up by family friend Jackie Beaumont, who has also arranged a fundraising day at the Priory Children's Centre on Saturday, December 14.
Jackie said: "Since people have heard about Macie, I have been inundated with fundraising ideas.
"Suggestions are coming out my ears – it is absolutely unbelievable."
As well as a charity bag pack at Asda in Mount Pleasant this Saturday, readers have contacted the Mail, wanting to help Macie.
Jackie said: "It has gone from having a small fundraising day with a few activities to a huge event.
"I cannot believe people's generosity.
"I would just like to thank everyone who has shown their support so far."
Hull-based charity Life For A Kid has also pledged to support Macie and her family by donating £500 to the cause.
The charity is also helping the west Hull family by allowing them to fundraise through Life For A Kid, meaning they will not need to organise their own charity number.
Helen and Mike, along with their two other children, Chloe and Charlie, have been amazed by the support they are receiving from the Hull public.
"We just can't begin to put into words how much this means to us," said Helen.
"We are so shocked at the generosity of people we don't even know wanting to help Macie. It's just incredible."
Helen and Mike are expecting to face this Christmas at Macie's bedside in Leeds.
Helen said: "It looks like we are going to be in hospital for Christmas.
"Chloe and Charlie are going to come up here and join us so we are all together – as long as we are all together, that's all that matters.
"The meaning of Christmas has totally changed for us this year."
The family have also chosen to donate some of the money raised to the charity Candlelighters and the intensive care ward at Leeds General Infirmary.
Helen said: "The care we have received has been amazing and we cannot even begin to thank the staff enough but hopefully the money will help families like us in the future."
People wishing to donate to Macie's fun can visit www.gofundme.com/5b95ug where more information is available about how to donate.
People are also encouraged to join the Macie Facebook page to share their fundraising ideas.
