An 11-year-old girl from Rugby who had rarely seen a doctor was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer only after her symptoms were repeatedly dismissed as a viral infection. Armaie Burrows-Pitt, known as Melly, is now undergoing six months of intensive chemotherapy at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
From energetic gymnast to 'a shell of herself'
Until recently, Melly was a lively child who loved gymnastics and was constantly active. Her family first noticed something wrong during a holiday to Devon, where she appeared unusually tired and unlike her normal self. By the end of April, Melly developed a stiff neck and persistent pain in one leg. Despite multiple visits to the GP, her family was told she likely had a viral infection or tonsillitis and that nothing serious was wrong.
Over the following weeks, Melly's condition worsened. She developed headaches and arm pain, with doctors struggling to explain her symptoms. Her aunt, Emma Whyte, described how the once-energetic girl became 'a complete shell of herself' and progressively 'lifeless.' Melly's mother, Nikki, kept pressing for answers, convinced something was being overlooked.
Diagnosis after hospital transfer
In June, Melly was admitted to Warwick Hospital before being transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital. There, X-rays and blood tests led to a diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma in July. Emma described the weeks before the diagnosis as torturous because no one could explain what was happening. 'It is awful because you just have no answers,' she said.
Burkitt lymphoma is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that requires urgent treatment. Melly is now receiving six months of intensive chemotherapy. Despite the grueling regimen, Emma says Melly is one of the 'bravest' little girls she has ever known. 'She is doing as best as she can and she is surprising all of us,' Emma added.
Family fundraises for future memories
A GoFundMe appeal has raised over £8,500 to help create cherished memories once Melly recovers, including a dream trip to Tokyo Disneyland. Part of the funds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House and Birmingham Children's Hospital. The family hopes Melly will be home by Christmas.
Emma urged other parents to trust their instincts if they sense something is wrong with their child. 'You believe doctors, and you want to believe them, but when something like this happens, and you just know that something is not right, it is only you that knows your child,' she said. She hopes greater awareness of childhood cancer will help families get a diagnosis sooner.
NHS response
A spokesperson for the NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board said: 'Our thoughts are with Melly and her family at what must be an incredibly difficult time. We are unable to comment on individual patients' care. However, early diagnosis and treatment are important in achieving the best possible outcomes for people with cancer. GPs across Coventry and Warwickshire are regularly provided with national guidance and information on recognising signs and symptoms that may require further investigation, including referral through urgent cancer pathways where appropriate. We will continue to work with local practices to support the early identification of cancer and encourage anyone concerned about their health or that of a family member to seek medical advice.'
