The Scottish Mail on Sunday

Kate’s ‘good luck at school’ for girl who stole her heart

- By Craig McDonald

SHE’S the youngster who bravely fought leukaemia, capturing the heart of the Duchess of Cambridge.

And a delighted Kate sent best wishes to little Mila Sneddon as the six-year-old started her ‘first school year not undergoing treatment’ after getting the all clear in April.

Mila’s mother, Lynda, from Falkirk, tweeted a photo of Mila in her school uniform last week.

Sharing the post, the Cambridges tweeted in response: ‘Such an incredible journey. Good luck from all of us at Kensington Palace, Mila.’ Replying, Lynda said: ‘Thank you for your very kind words. Mila has settled in well and is delighted to be back at school.’

Kate first spotted a photo, during lockdown in March 2020, of Mila gazing through a window at her father Scott, who had moved out of the family home to protect her.

The Duchess included the photo, known as ‘Shielding Mila’, in her book Hold Still: A Portrait of Our Nation in 2020 and asked if she could meet the youngster.

Mila met Kate twice last year, first at Holyroodho­use in Edinburgh in May and then at Westminste­r Abbey in December.

Posting a photo online last week, Lynda wrote: ‘First day back at school. Very proud! This is Mila’s first school year not undergoing treatment. Love you Mila. Thank you NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for making this possible.’

Mila had acute lymphoblas­tic leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells.

Lynda said of her daughter’s meetings with the Duchess: ‘Those moments made Mila feel special.’

 ?? ?? CARING: The Duchess of Cambridge asked to meet Mila at Holyroodho­use
CARING: The Duchess of Cambridge asked to meet Mila at Holyroodho­use
 ?? ?? BIG DAY: Proud Mila off to school in her uniform, carrying a pink lunchbox
BIG DAY: Proud Mila off to school in her uniform, carrying a pink lunchbox
 ?? ?? POIGNANT: The lockdown snap that sparked Duchess’s interest
POIGNANT: The lockdown snap that sparked Duchess’s interest

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