'Amazing' girl back to school after cancer diagnosis

A five-year-old girl has started a new school year two years after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Neil, from Woking, Surrey, said that his daughter Sienna was "excited to see her friends again", but was "nervous, like most children are" about beginning Year 1.

"Thankfully it is quite a nice worry if I am being honest," he told the BBC.

Sienna had to isolate for several months after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2024.

Neil said the biggest challenge for children with cancer was germs.

"You're in a bubble. You're not socialising," he said.

"When we were isolating, she was sad that she couldn't see as many people or friends."

The father-of-two said that following her first stage of treatment – which has now finished – Sienna could go to preschool.

"You're always on the edge of your seat," he said.

"Sienna's very much kept her personality throughout. She's really robust."

Neil said that Momentum Children's Charity had helped the family by giving Sienna experiences that enabled her to get out the house.

"We are looking forward to her pressing on and continuing to shine at school," he added.

"It's amazing she has still made friends. We are honestly just excited for her to experience school as it should be experienced."

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