From Cancer Research UK: BATH schoolgirl Niamh Dixon who has undergone aggressive cancer treatment over the last eight months returned to school with a big smile on her face this week.
The eight-year-old from Oldfield Park, who had her last treatment on January 5, has been recognised with a special national award from Cancer Research UK for her bravery in dealing with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia – which is a cancer of the blood cells.
Now, for the courage she showed throughout her treatment, the St John’s Primary school pupil, has received a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award, in partnership with TK Maxx.
Cancer Research UK is working to discover new ways to treat the disease, so all children and young people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. And thanks to some of its breakthroughs, children’s cancer survival in the UK has more than doubled since the 1970s.
But the Star Awards, and stories like Niamh’s shine a light on the unique challenges still faced by children like her.
Every child nominated receives the Star Award accolade, which is backed by a host of famous faces, including celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, TV personality Dr Ranj and children’s TV favourite Mister Maker.
There is no judging panel because the charity believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition. The awards are open to all children under 18 who live in the UK and have been treated for the disease within the past five years.*
As well as a star shaped trophy, Niamh also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card, t-shirt and a certificate signed by the celebrities. Her sister Daisy, aged 11, received a certificate too.
Niamh’s mum, Julie, said: “Niamh has spent some of the Christmas holidays at Bristol Children’s Hospital having chemotherapy and came out on 5 January, so she is looking forward to a New Year and a new start at her school.
“She will be in maintenance treatment until June 2025 and she will continue as an outpatient in Bath’s RUH. She hasn’t complained at all and every trip back to hospital has been met with resilience, so she is a real trooper.
“She does use a wheelchair for long distances as her mobility is affected and having cerebral palsy as well means her balance and vision are affected to.”
Around 120 children are diagnosed with cancer in the South West every year,** but research is helping to save more lives.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, Alison Birkett, said: “Niamh is a real star who has been through so much at such a young age. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate her courage with a Star Award.
“Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment – and many youngsters may experience serious long-term side effects. That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to ensure more children and young people survive cancer with a good quality of life.
“We’re urging people in Somerset to nominate inspirational children like Niamh for a Star Award now, so that many more affected by this devastating disease can receive the acknowledgement they so richly deserve.”
The Star Awards are run in partnership with TK Maxx, the biggest corporate supporter of Cancer Research UK’s work into children’s and young people’s cancers. Since 2004, the retailer has raised more than £44 million for vital research to help improve survival.
