FROM COURAGEOUS KIDS TO INCREDIBLE LIVES, OUR WINNERS HAVE INSPIRED THE NATION MILA SNEDDON
ADULTS WHO HAVE SAVED LIVES AND CHANGED Child Of Courage
Cancer sufferer who had to endure treatment in isolation - and whose bravery touched the nation.
BRAVE young Mila bounced onto the stage to collect her Child of Courage award, determined to show off the pink dress her mum had bought for the occasion.
The six-year-old became a symbol for childhood bravery in a time of national crisis when a photo of her kissing her dad through her kitchen window featured in the Duchess of Cambridge’s lockdown photo project.
Mila, from Stenhousemuir, was being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when the first lockdown started. Her frontline worker dad, Scott, 52, and sister had to stay away from the family home for seven weeks to keep her safe – the only way they could be in contact was behind glass.
One of their meetings was captured in a now famous photograph, Shielding Mila, which led to a meeting with the Duchess of Cambridge.
After presenting Mila with her Pride of Scotland trophy, TV personality Paige Turley said: “The sun just shines out of Mila. You would never think she’s been through so much. I love her.”
TV queen Lorraine Kelly said: “Mila has shown such incredible courage and now she is cancer free which is the best news ever. ”
One of Mila’s favourite presenters, Stephen Mulhern, told her: “I have heard about all you have been through and how brave you have been. Your family are so proud of you. The Duchess of Cambridge is proud of you. Everyone is proud of you.”
Mila said: “I am so excited to be here and meet everyone. It’s a very special night.” Proud mum Lynda said: “She is our little warrior princess. She has been through so much but she keeps on smiling. She’s a fighter, we are all determined to keep fighting for her.”
Mila has recently finished treatment and has been declared cancer-free. But her bravery continues to inspire others, with the rest of her family, including mum Lynda, 39, and big sister Jodi, 18, fundraising for Blood Cancer UK and pals from school taking part in Race for Life in her honour too.