Worthing boy, 8, starts school after cancer treatment

Noah Saunders, from Worthing, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in March 2022.

Now, just two months after finishing treatment, he is ready to put on his uniform and start Year 4.

His diagnosis came after he had chicken pox, and his parents noticed a residual rash they originally thought was linked to the pox.

His mother, Natasha Cockburn, said: "We called the GP, who said to do a glass test on Noah in case it was meningitis. We did this, and the rash didn’t fade, so we took him to Worthing Hospital.

"When we arrived at the hospital, Noah was taken for blood tests, and two hours later, we were told that Noah had cancer."

For families like the Saunders’, who have faced the reality of a cancer diagnosis, the new academic year brings more considerations than usual. (Image: Momentum Children’s Charity)

Noah's father, Richard Saunders, said the family were shocked and had to quickly learn about medical terminology and treatments.

He said: "Before we knew it, we were being told about bone marrow aspirations and trying to comprehend a new vocabulary of medical terminology.

"Noah’s treatment had several different phases, and he spent nearly three-and-a-half years in and out of hospital. His last chemo session was in July this year."

Noah now has a list of places he wants to go to after finishing treatment, and is excited to be able to spend time in water again.

Noah's mother Natasha said his school - Homefield Primary School in Worthing - has been "great".

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Noah’s parents, Natasha Cockburn and Richard Saunders, want to speak out about this and highlight how Momentum Children’s Charity supported their family during this very difficult time. (Image: Momentum Children’s Charity)

She said: "He had to miss half of Reception and a lot of Year One. By Year Two, Noah understood his illness more and felt able to share information about it with his classmates during show and tell.

"Noah’s attendance at school has been quite low, but despite this, he has done so well and has remained in the top sets.

"He is about to start Year Four at school and we’re thrilled to see Noah stepping into this next chapter of his life.

"We’re confident he’ll meet any challenges the coming term brings and, with time, discover new subjects and opportunities to embrace.

"Though he feels some trepidation, that spark of uncertainty has always driven him to rise above any obstacles."

The family have also been supported by Momentum Children’s Charity, which supports children with cancer and life-challenging conditions.

Noah at Momentum respite cabin. (Image: Momentum Children’s Charity)

Noah's father Richard said: "Our family support worker, Amy, got to know Noah really well, and he feels so comfortable around her. Amy would check in with us in the hospital and at home too.

"We’ve been on Momentum’s riverboat and have stayed at the charity’s respite cabins too.

"Support from charities like Momentum, really helps; they started as a stranger but are now an important part of our lives."

Sarah Woods, CEO at Momentum Children’s Charity, said: "We’re delighted to hear Noah has completed his treatment and are sending him our very best wishes as he begins a new school year.

"Sadly, every year, more than 1,900 families in the UK receive the devastating news of a childhood cancer diagnosis.

"This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we want families to know they are not alone, and we are here to help."