During George's early treatment, we spent a total of 18 days in Southampton Hospital. We were offered accommodation at the Ronald McDonald House while splitting time between the hospital and home. My husband, Radek, and I have an elder daughter, Anna, who was 10 at the time and being looked after at home by Radek’s parents from Poland, and my mum.
It took a while to build up to the conversation to tell Anna that George had cancer. She was wondering what was going on with her brother, with Nanny now looking after her and taking her to school. She’d want to hear Mum and Dad's voice to know we're okay, when we had to give 100% of our energy to George while we navigated this devastating situation. It was confusing for her, but we did our best to be open and honest in our conversations. All of this was happening against the backdrop of Christmas, and all she really wanted was to have her brother home. She even wrote a heartfelt card to our consultant, asking if he could come home for Christmas.
George’s treatment, which finished in April, has been tricky for us to navigate. At times, George was inevitably getting our full attention, and from nurses and doctors, too. Anna was almost expected to put her needs aside while George was going through the initial six months of intensive treatment, because we had to adapt our routine and activities, so he didn’t get an infection.
What helped us
Abby's Heroes offered us a sibling day at Go Ape, where she was able to have my full attention and have fun and make memories with her friend. At times, George's outbursts, not helped by the steroids he was taking affecting his mood, were tiring for Anna, so to get out and enjoy the outdoors was great for her.
During summer 2023, we also signed up to the Young Lives vs Cancer Kid's Summer Challenge, which challenged us to step, swim and cycle to fundraise for them. This was a welcome distraction – it was something we could do as a family and really gave us all something positive to focus on. It was a team effort and meant that George and Anna got to have some fun together during a tough time.
A strong and special bond
Anna, now 13, and George, nine, have a special bond. They still have squabbles and fallouts, and George might not feel like having a cuddle with his sister, but when they do get on, they have a fun time, and George really does love his caring sister!
One thing that has really helped George is attending the same school as his sister. Originally, it was suggested that a special school, an hour’s bus ride away, was the best way for him to catch up on his education. I had to convey the importance of him being close to his sister, and with his friends, too. How this would give him confidence and motivate him and help him to thrive.
After a positive transfer meeting at George's primary school in 2024, with a number of professionals present, it was confirmed that George would be offered a place at the middle school where Anna attend. I’m pleased to say, he’s settled in well at his new school.
George and Anna
Advice to other families
You will get stronger and more resilient. Try to enjoy those ‘normal’ activities as a family where you can, like the park or a walk in the forest, even if you need to adapt what you do. The world will look different, too. What you worried about before cancer isn't relevant anymore. What’s important is cherishing every day and being thankful for everything you've got.
The family at Legoland Windsor
From Contact magazine issue 111 | Summer 2026
