03/07/2026
Florence was just one year old when a 30cm tumour was found in her tummy and she was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma. Over the last 18 months she has endured chemotherapy, major surgery, stem cell transplants, radiotherapy and immunotherapy but despite it all is still smiling and the “sunshine” for her family. Anna, Florence’s mum, shares her story…
"There is a life before Florence’s cancer diagnosis, and a life after.
"On 18th November 2024, our world didn’t just change, it stopped.
"After weeks of being told it was severe constipation, a 30cm tumour was found in Florence’s tummy, with disease in her spine. She was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma.
"Since then, Florence has gone through 18 months of treatment no child should ever have to face: chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, procedures under general anaesthetic, and long hospital stays that became our normal.
"Florence had a 12-hour surgery to remove her tumour, during which she also had her left kidney removed. Afterwards she was taken to intensive care and ventilated to support her recovery. One of the hardest moments for us was seeing her afterwards, so still, her tiny hands and feet cold while her body fought a high fever and infections, and trying to process just how unwell she looked, with so many tubes and wires attached to her little body after everything she had already been through..."
"Florie has now finished her frontline treatment. She was due to start DFMO, a relapse-prevention treatment, but after it was withdrawn from the UK, we're now exploring private treatment options to access it.
"Our greatest hope is that one day neuroblastoma will be just one chapter in Florence’s story, not the chapter that defines it. But high-risk neuroblastoma leaves families like ours living with uncertainty. Even when treatment ends, the fear of relapse remains.
"Every day with Florence is a gift we will never take for granted."
You can read Florence's full story here ➡️ https://www.neuroblastoma.org.uk/personal-stories/0zumhqstxs0kp3t6p5qtizys79jams
💛 A big thank you to Anna Chattaway for sharing Florence's story 💛