A family whose lives were turned upside down by blood cancer were treated to a trip of a lifetime to Disneyland Paris.

The Nash family, of Beech Avenue, Radlett were nominated to go on the trip, funded by the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research charity, after their daughter, Evie, was diagnosed with acute myelod leukaemia on December 31, 2012.

Evie, who was three at the time, was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where she started chemotherapy the following day.

Speaking about the experience, Evie's mum Kelly said: "It is a New Year's Eve that Ben [Evie's Dad] and I will never forget, for all the wrong reasons.

"After a three-day stay in intensive care, and a quiet celebration of her fourth birthday on January 4, Evie was transferred to the oncology ward at GOSH where she continued with the treatment for the next five months.

"Throughout this period the cancer treatment took a physical toll on Evie's body. She lost weight, lost her hair and was extremely pale. But it did not dampen her feisty personality."

Evie, now five, responded to the treatment well and in the summer of 2013, she went into remission.

Kelly added: "When Evie left the oncology ward at GOSH, Ben and I breathed a sigh of relief. Our hearts felt heavy and we were emotionally shattered.

"Our family had spent a huge amount of time apart while Evie was being treated and that summer was spent reconnecting as a family."

Kelly and Ben first found out that they had been chosen to go to Disneyland in May, however they only told Evie, her brother Archie, eight, and her sister Aelith, two, the night before they left - on Friday, September 5.

Kelly said: "The level of excitement in the Nash household the evening prior to our departure was high.

"When we arrived at the Eurostar terminal we were greeted by the team from the charity and many other families who have all been affected by blood cancer.

"As a family we have wonderful memories and are so grateful to have been given this opportunity."

Rebecca Andlaw, special events co-ordinator at Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, said: "Having the opportunity to spend time getting to know children like Evie and her family, sharing their experiences and hearing why the trip is so important to them, was priceless.

"The awe and excitement of being in Disney was evident not only in the childrens' faces, but their parents too. I'm delighted we could play a part in creating lasting memories for such a deserving family."