A brave Hitchin schoolgirl has praised her pals at an army cadet group for supporting her during her journey for a new kidney.

Earlier this month Hitchin Nub News broke the story of courageous Emilka Styczynska who faces the fight of her life in a bid to land a vital organ transplant.

Despite Emilka requiring a kidney donor in order to live life to the full, she still attends cadets as often as her ongoing health issues will allow - and the selfless 15-year-old took time out to hail her friends, staff and colleagues at the cadet centre in Hitchin.

The Army Cadet force styles itself as an organisation packed with fun, friendship, action and adventure - and inspirational Emilka agrees.

Speaking to Hitchin Nub News, the gutsy teenager praised her friends at the site on Bedford Road.

"Thank you to all my cadet friends that have supported me over the last two years," Emilka said, adding: "Thank you to all the staff members that have made things accessible to me - thank you to everyone at cadets who believes in me.

"Cadets is truly one big family and thank you for all the memories we have made so far."

Emilka, who lives in Westmill with her parents Marta and Przemek, and younger brother Patryk, dreams of becoming a Combat Medical Technician and heartily enjoys being part of Hitchin Army Cadets on Bedford Road.

However, as lockdown hit back in the spring of 2020, Emilka suffered from a rare autoimmune disease that led to her kidneys failing. Since then Emilka has spent most of her nights plugged into her home dialysis machine - and requires a kidney donor to allow her to enjoy life fully.

Mum Marta and dad Przemek added: "From us, as parents we would like say that we are so happy that Emilka found place where she feels so happy and so excited. She is more confident now and also she found what she wants to do in the future. 

"Emilka has a fantastic group of friends that are extremely supportive. The staff are fabulous too - they support all our family.

"She tells us that being a cadet makes her strong and they never quit. She certainly won't give up - and nor will we as a family - as we continue to search for a suitable donor."

With support from the cadets, determined Emilka has her heart set on attending summer camps despite being on dialysis.

Such is her impressive resolve to be at the forthcoming camp, Emilka, the cadets and her family have organised for her to attend the trip, while also allowing provision for her return home to Hitchin for dialysis treatment prior to returning to the camp.

Marta and Przemek added: "It is going to be hard, but between us and the Army we can do it - and Emilka can continue to enjoy and doing what she loves.

"She always tells us spending time with her cadet 'family' makes her so happy. We are so proud of her."

Marta adds that Emilka enjoyed Army Cadets just before lockdown and her health issues - and that she was so keen to attend despite the hunt for a new kidney she once, even joined the cadets' virtual parade from her hospital bed.

As loving mum Marta explains: "With the Army, she can make her dreams come true." 

If you would consider donating a kidney to help boost Emilka or would like to know more information please click here

If you feel this is something you would be able to consider please email [email protected]