Four-year-old Sophia from Chobham, Surrey, is preparing to start her first year at Primary School, two years after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). 

As the summer holidays come to an end, many children are preparing for the new academic year, but for families like the Gee’s, who have received a cancer diagnosis, there is a lot more to consider. 

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Sophia’s mum, Lisa Richardson, is shining a light on her daughter’s condition, and helping to raise awareness of Momentum Children’s Charity, who have supported the family during some of their most difficult times. 

Talking about Sophia’s diagnosis, Lisa said: “Our world fell apart in that moment we received Sophia’s diagnosis. My partner and I remember every detail of walking into the hospital – the doctors name, what he was wearing, the room we were put in, where we were sitting. Sophia’s treatment started immediately. As a parent, you’re not only trying to comprehend why is it happening to your child, you’re thrust into a scary world of unknowns. The NHS team at St. Peter’s Hospital have been great – they’ve made sure we have understood what and why everything has happened and the impact for Sophia.

Lisa continued: “Now, exactly two years on, I am pleased to say Sophia has responded amazingly to treatment – she has hit the necessary milestones and her body has managed it all without complication.”

Talking about Momentum Children’s Charity, Lisa said: “As a family we have all benefited from Momentum’s support. Our Family Support Worker from the charity always checks in with us and seeing a familiar friendly face, who understands, what you are going through is unbelievably welcome when you’re living in a very isolating situation.”

Talking about Sophia starting school, Lisa Richardson said: “Starting school is a huge milestone for any child. For us, we’re seeing it as an exciting new chapter for Sophia, but we are extremely anxious. The school have not had a child with leukaemia before, so it’s a complete unknown and a huge education for them to understand what they are dealing with. For Sophia, she’s very excited. She already has her school shoes and loves wearing them already!”