Fletchers Solicitors Supporting Family Seeking Answers After Toddler’s Death from Rare Cancer

Following the heartbreaking loss of 19-month-old Delilah-Rai to a rare soft tissue cancer, Fletchers Solicitors stepped in to support Delilah-Rai’s mother, Kayleigh, as she sought answers about the care her daughter received.

What you’ll find in this case study:

• The background of the case and the tragic loss of Delilah-Rai to a rare soft tissue cancer.
• How we’re supporting the family through a complex medical negligence investigation.
• How our team is reviewing the care received from the GP and both hospitals to identify possible delays, missed referrals or misdiagnoses.
• Our work to help the family seek answers and accountability about the care provided.

Background

Following the tragic loss of her 19-month-old daughter, Delilah-Rai Reid-Floyd to a rare soft-tissue cancer, Kayleigh Reid is being supported by Fletchers Solicitors as she seeks answers about her daughter’s care.

Delilah-Rai passed away in August 2025, seven months after Kayleigh first noticed a small lump on her daughter’s face while bathing her. Initially thought to be an injury, it was later found to be a cancerous tumour that had caused significant bone and tissue damage by the time it was correctly diagnosed.

After contacting her GP at the end of January 2025, Delilah-Mai was referred to Russells Hall Hospital, where a CT scan suggested the lump was a paranasal cystic lesion – a small, fluid-filled growth near the nasal cavity. Kayleigh was told Delilah-Rai would be referred to an ENT specialist within a week, but when she chased it up two weeks later, the referral hadn’t been made.

By the time Delilah-Rai was seen in April, the lump had grown rapidly. She was referred on to Birmingham Children’s Hospital but faced a wait of several months. Fearing her daughter’s condition was worsening, Kayleigh sent photos of the swelling, which led to an earlier appointment being arranged.

Scans were carried out in May, and a biopsy followed in July. Initial results pointed to a desmoid fibromatosis – a rare but non-cancerous growth – and major surgery was planned to remove it and rebuild part of Delilah-Rai’s face.

However, days before the operation, further tests revealed that the growth was actually soft tissue cancer, and surgery was no longer possible. By then, the tumour had spread through surrounding bone and tissue. Delilah-Rai passed away shortly afterwards.

An internal review is now being undertaken by Birmingham Women and Children’s Hospital, and Kayleigh has instructed Fletchers Solicitors to investigate the treatment that Delilah-Rai received while in the care of the Trusts responsible for Russells Hall Hospital, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Raising awareness

Kayleigh is sharing her experience to raise awareness of rare childhood cancers and to encourage parents to advocate for their children when they have concerns about their care.

Kayleigh commented:

“When I first found the lump, I knew something wasn’t right. I just wanted someone to listen and to find out what was causing it. But everything seemed to take such a long time – tests, referrals, results. By the time we were told what it really was, the damage had already been done.

“Of course, you place your trust in the doctors and specialists caring for your child – but if something doesn’t feel right, or if you don’t feel you’re being listened to, please don’t be afraid to raise that as a concern. It’s overwhelming when you’re going through something so awful and trying to understand so many medical terms, but your instincts as a parent matter.

“Delilah was the happiest, most loving little girl – she was cheeky and full of life. Speaking out is hard, but I’ll keep doing it for her. I want answers, and I want to make sure her story helps others.”

Supporting the family

Our medical negligence team, led by Danielle Pritchett, is investigating the treatment Delilah-Rai received from her GP, Russells Hall Hospital, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, focusing on potential delays, missed referrals, and misdiagnoses that may have impacted the outcome.

Danielle Pritchett, medical law expert at Fletchers Solicitors, said: “This is a deeply tragic case, and Kayleigh and her family are understandably still coming to terms with their loss.

“We are now in the early stages of investigating the care Delilah-Rai received from her GP and both hospitals involved to understand whether opportunities for earlier diagnosis and treatment were missed.

“Kayleigh’s strength in sharing her story reflects a determination to raise awareness and prevent other parents from facing the same unimaginable loss. We will continue to support her as she seeks answers and accountability.”