6-Year-Old Girl Does Not Lose Heart in Face of Illness, Performs Special ‘Fight Song’ at Wedding

A little girl's life changed forever when she was only six years old, and doctors diagnosed her with cancer. Amid the challenges, she continued fighting and eventually performed a special song that personified her journey—it reached millions worldwide.

Anya Ottley is a little girl with a big heart and an even bigger smile. The Bolton, Greater Manchester youngster brings a pocket full of sunshine wherever she goes, even when life throws her a shocking curveball.

After her parents noticed a lump in her stomach, they sent her for a medical examination. Anya's scans revealed something no parent wants to hear.

She Is a Fighter

In the innocence of her youth, Anya was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer. The illness shocked her mom and dad, but the six-year-old girl remained courageous and dedicated to overcoming the disease.

Following the unexpected discovery in November 2017, Anya took every step of her cancer battle in stride, refusing to let the grueling chemotherapy get her down.

Her mom, Kathryn Ottley, shared: "[Chemotherapy] makes her sick, but she tells me it's not too bad for her and that other children [in] the ward are much sicker. She is caring like that."

The little girl had no idea the video of her dancing and singing along to the powerful song would reach millions of people.

A Grueling Battle with Cancer

The young girl faced many rounds of treatment. Kathryn recalled the day Anya asked her if she would die. The mom assured her daughter that she would survive, hoping with all her heart that would be the case.

Kathryn also promised her child that she would have a big "ring-the-bell" party once she was given the all-clear. However, the little girl's health journey had many ups and downs.

Her dad, Andrew Ottley, shared an update with concerned friends and family in 2018. He informed them that after major surgery, doctors revealed Anya still needed 28 more weeks of chemotherapy, which she "smashed." And on July 9, 2018, he recalled:

"Anya RANG THAT BELL LOUD AND PROUD as promised. Thank you everyone again, it's been a tough nine months but she did it."

She Is an Inspiration

In preparation for her ring-the-bell party, Anya learned the lyrics to a song she loved. The piece by Rachel Platten encapsulated her experience with cancer perfectly, and while attending a wedding, she decided to perform her "Fight Song."

The little girl had no idea the video of her dancing and singing along to the powerful song would reach millions of people. But it did. Her rendition went viral, with countless people applauding her bravery and wishing her well.

Anya's uncle recorded her heartwarming performance, and one thing was evident in the clip—Anya was a fighter who refused to let anything bring her down.

A Bright Future for the Youngster

After the viral video moment, Anya was honored at the Pride of Manchester Awards for inspiring many. She sang the song again when receiving her award, and the performance had everyone cheering.

In July 2019, Anya's mom shared the good news that her little girl flourished at school. Despite missing a year due to her illness, she was motivated to succeed and held nothing back. Kathryn wrote:

"So proud [of] Anya. Despite missing almost the entire year [one] she's gone on to catch up in year [two] and is now moving up into a mixed year [three] / year [four] group."

Online Support for Anya

The little girl's bravery and fighting spirit touched friends, family, and strangers. Many people admired her and believed she was destined for great things:

"I think her [life's] purpose is to inspire others."

- (Maxston Wilding-Smith) May 20, 2019

"I've just watched the wedding video. Sat here crying my eyes out at the most inspirational video I have ever seen. What a beautiful little girl. What a song. What a family."

- (Hayley Bastick) May 30, 2018

"Beautiful brave girl. Hope all is going well."

- (Natalie Jane Hepburn) May 4, 2019

"There's just no stopping Anya's courage and determination."

- (Karen Clayton) July 5, 2019

Anya is cancer-free, and her viral video still inspires and encourages people worldwide. We wish her the best for her future. May she continue to be a ray of sunshine and positivity.

Click here for a story about a one-year-old who was handed a grim prognosis. Doctors revealed he had a short time to live, but he proved them wrong.