Miles of smiles after baby finally gets mummy hugs

A mum battling cancer is celebrating being able to hug her baby daughter after the pair were separated for almost a month during treatment.

Brooke Malyon, who lives in Wairarapa, had a stem cell transplant three weeks ago that left her susceptible to infection, meaning 5-month-old Charlie had to be kept away.

"It has definitely been a roller-coaster ride," Malyon told the Herald on Sunday. "It has been made so much tougher by not seeing [my partner] Chris and Charlie for such a long period of time."

But this week she was finally able to enjoy some mummy time with her little girl.

"We hope that I have turned a corner and now just have the radiation to go, so that is what I'm working towards."

Malyon is at home for a few weeks before she goes back into hospital for a month of radiation.

The mother-of-one was first diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system in 2013.

She was successfully treated and went into remission - but was told three months ago her cancer had returned.

Relatives and friends are rallying behind her, but sister Georgia Prosser said things were tough financially.

"Mum has put work on hold to look after baby Charlie full-time, so that my sister's partner, Chris, could continue to work, as he had just taken on a new job," she said. "But she wouldn't have it any other way."

Malyon said the family was incredibly grateful for all the support they had received so far.

"I really want to say thank you to all the amazing friends and family and all the other fabulous people out there who have given so much in the way of love, support, kindness and generosity.

"It is very much appreciated. We are extremely thankful and lucky to have such wonderful people around us and it certainly keeps me fighting."

To help the family, go to: givealittle.co.nz/cause/pleasehelpbrooke