Brave Mia Preston, five, treated like a star after tough year battling leukaemia

A courageous Stanton schoolgirl has been recognised for her bravery a year after her cancer diagnosis.

Mia Preston, five, was a guest of honour at the Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Star Awards party on Tuesday.

The talent show-themed party gave children and their families, many of whom have missed out on school and hobbies due to treatment, a memorable experience.

Mia was diagnosed with cancer last July, a month after her fourth birthday. She had cold-like symptoms and pains in her legs. Her family doctor thought she had a virus but when she wasn’t any better two days later, Mia’s parents Emma, 34, and Andrew, 36, took her to hospital and she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Emma said: “She has had to go through many horrible procedures that no young child should have to go through. She never complains. She just carries on.

“When her hair fell out, Mia said it made her feel sad. That broke my heart, but I told her it was just hair and it would grow back.”

The Stanton Community Primary School pupil finished the intensive stage of her treatment in May and is on maintenance chemotherapy for at least two years. She is starting to act like her old self again and was very excited to go to the party with her one-year-old sister Keira.

They joined 20 youngsters from across the UK to enjoy a personalised walk of fame, a magician’s workshop, acrobatic skills training and a performance by CBeebies presenter Cat Sandion.

Emma said: “We had a lovely time at the party. Mia has had such a tough year and really deserved to be treated like a VIP. She enjoyed every minute of it.”

Danielle Glavin, Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Suffolk spokeswoman, said: “It is an absolute privilege to be able to recognise the strength of youngsters like Mia who have been through so much at such a young age. She is a true ‘star’.”