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Kerry Brown, mum to Felix who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in 2016, explains how her family navigated the challenges of Felix’s education during treatment

Mr Robert Wheeler, Consultant Neonatal & Paediatric Surgeon at Southampton Children’s Hospital whose main interest is children’s cancer surgery, tells us how his passion for watercolour painting helps educate and inform families about procedures.

Parents of children who have been diagnosed with cancer often have many questions surrounding schooling and education. Lucy Gwynne, Neuro-Oncology Lead Cancer Nurse Specialist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, explains more about what to expect.

Going back to school can be scary for both you and your child, but it’s important for their mental wellbeing. It helps them to feel ‘normal’ and lessens the isolation and loneliness which many children with cancer face. It gives structure to their day, a focus on the future and is where they can learn and develop social skills and make friends.

Penelope Hart-Spencer, Health Play Specialist at The Christie Hospital, tells us about the development of ‘Anna loses her hair’. The award-winning CCLG publication helps educate children on hair loss during cancer treatment.

Dr Vikki Langford, Clinical Psychologist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, explains some of the factors involved in making decisions and offers advice and guidance on the process.

Alexander Clarke was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma aged 19, meaning he was old enough to make his own treatment choices. His mum Denise describes how he helped lessen their worries by involving them throughout, even when there were no further treatment options left for him.

Shielding...a term unknown until March 2020! Tash Larcombe, whose nine-year-old son, Finley, has leukaemia, writes on what shielding has been like for her and her family.

Karen and Andrew Phillips were inspired to establish their own charity after their son Harry was helped through his treatment for leukaemia by a special aid. Here, Karen tells us more.

Sarah Turner and J’nae Christopher are assistant psychologists within Health in Mind at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. They explain that for a child going through treatment, to be given choice and control over even seemingly small things, can be of real value.