Member of the Month September 2025
alyssa ashcroft
Our Member of the Month this month is Alyssa Ashcroft.
Alyssa was a typical, very active hockey playing 14 year old, until she became ill in June and was diagnosed with Glandular fever. After a short time off school she was able to go back to usual and enjoy time with her friends, however shortly after that she became ill again and little did her family know that life was about to dramatically change.
At the local hospital, a CT scan revealed numerous lumps on Alyssa’s liver and chest, and doctors explained that she needed further tests. Her blood pressure was dangerously low, and she was admitted to the High Dependency Unit. Soon after, she was transferred by NWTS to Manchester Children’s PICU at the start of summer, where she remained in critical condition for 12 days and required a ventilator.
During her stay, Alyssa underwent several biopsies, and a dedicated team of consultants worked tirelessly to keep her alive. After extensive testing, the results revealed that Alyssa had a rare condition called Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). This life-threatening illness causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues and organs. In Alyssa’s case, it was triggered by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the virus that causes glandular fever. She was started on special medication to control the HLH and, heartbreakingly, spent her 15th birthday in intensive care.
Over the following six weeks, Alyssa remained in hospital while doctors fought to stabilise her condition. She endured countless tests, x-rays, CT scans, blood transfusions, and treatments. She was frequently poked and prodded but faced everything with incredible strength.
"She received her beads of Courage on the haematology/oncology ward and through them was able to keep track of her progress and bravery, they also proved a welcome distraction."
Alyssa was also diagnosed with vocal cord paralysis following intubation, another rare complication. Since then, she has not regained her normal speaking voice, a devastating loss for her as she had been a passionate singer with a beautiful voice.
After six weeks Alyssa was discharged, though she left hospital without answers as to why HLH had developed, along with the fear that it might return. Genetic blood tests were underway, but in the meantime, Alyssa missed her summer holidays, her friends, and school. Weakened from being in a coma and still reliant on multiple medications, she continued to face each day with resilience and humour, lifting the spirits of those around her.
Recently, Alyssa received the results of genetic testing, which confirmed that she has an extremely rare immune condition; fewer than 20 people have ever been diagnosed with it. The only cure is a bone marrow transplant. This means she faces another long hospital stay and further intensive treatment in the near future.
