A courageous Hitchin teenager who received a life-saving kidney transplant has been busy following her dreams this week.

Inspirational Emilka Styczynska is thankfully winning the fight of her life after receiving a vital organ transplant earlier this year, following three tough years on kidney dialysis.

Undeterred, Emilka's long-held ambition has always been to become a Combat Medical Technician, and throughly enjoys being part of Hitchin Army Cadets on Bedford Road.

Now fighting fit once again, the passionate teenager proudly took part in Hitchin's Remembrance Day parade and service, with all her pals in our town's unit.

As reported by Nub News, cadets - including proud Emilka - as well as scouts, guides and dignitaries all gathered in Hitchin's Churchyard on Sunday, to pay their respects at commemorations that took place at our town's cenotaph, before St Mary's Church hosted a Remembrance Day service.

Emilka's mum, Marta, dad Przemek, and younger brother Patryk who live in Hitchin - and who loyally supported Emilka as a loving family during every step of her journey - were there to watch.

Speaking to Hitchin Nub News, Marta said: "We are so proud of Emilka and her determination.

"She is fulfilling her dreams. On Sunday she was so proud of herself. This is what she loves to do.

"When she started being a Cadet she said that is her own special place, where she feels happy and confident."

Modest Marta added humbly: "What was important was that everyone at the Army cadets helped her during her hard times, when she was on dialysis for nearly three years. We are so happy that she found place where she is happy. 

"We are so happy to say a big that you to all the staff at Army Cadets Hitchin detachment for their hard work and in supporting all the kids there. We can see their amazing work, when we see Emilka." 

Brave Emilka's journey

As reported by Hitchin Nub News who broke the story, Emilka, then 15, required a kidney donor in order to live life to the full, while dreaming of becoming a Combat Medical Technician. The first steps on that journey was the fact Emilka enjoying being part of the team at Hitchin Army Cadets on Bedford Road and the sense of achievement and camaraderie that came with it.

However, as lockdown struck in the spring of 2020, Emilka suffered from a rare autoimmune disease that led to her kidneys failing. After that Emilka spent most of her nights plugged into her home dialysis machine, while the agonising wait continued for a suitable donor.

Through repeated hospital trips to the Lister and the world renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital since then, the youngster missed out on plenty of schooling, as well as having fun with her friends.

That was until brave Emilka had her transplant at the start of this year - allowing her to continue to follow her dream.

Her hopes to join the army full time were underlined when fearless Emilka took part in Hitchin's Remembrance Day parade at the weekend.

Delighted mum Marta added: "We would also like to thank our hospital dialysis team. We are now under the kidney transplant team and they are amazing as well.

"Thank you also to Emilka's school, Saint John Henry Newman, which is also supporting Emilka, and Patryk her brother as well."

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