Lesley Owens, 43, a three-time cancer survivor, is now supporting three of her five children through chemotherapy after they were diagnosed with an ultra-rare genetic condition called IRF8 gene deficiency. The disorder severely weakens the immune system, and the family is thought to be only the second in the world in which three siblings have received this triple diagnosis, according to Owens's daughter Tyler Heyworth.

Owens's daughters Sinead, 20, Caitlyn, 18 and Rhiann, 16 have all undergone chemotherapy and lost their hair, while Rhiann has also had an ovary removed and a bone marrow transplant, and Sinead has separately been diagnosed with vulva cancer. Tyler, who is unaffected, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover everyday costs during her sisters' treatment, which has raised over £4,500 of its £5,000 target, and hopes speaking out will raise awareness of the condition for other families.