She’s the little girl with the big personality who captured the heart of the Princess of Wales and now Mila Sneddon is celebrating being one year cancer free.
The seven-year-old, who bravely fought leukaemia, finished her intense treatment in March 2022 and a few weeks ago blood tests revealed she is still in remission.
Seeing her bouncing around her garden in Stenhousemuir, near Falkirk, it’s hard to believe bubbly Mila, endured more than 900 procedures during her two-and-a-half year battle against the cruel disease.
Mila said: “I’m really really good now. I love primary three and my teacher is fun. I’ve got lots of energy and learned lots of new Tik Tok dances. I can’t wait to be in primary four because we get into the big playground. I want to be a screenwriter when I grow up because I like writing stories. I’m very happy.”
Mila’s mum Lynda, 40, could not be prouder of her youngest daughter. She said: “When Mila’s blood tests came back all clear at her one year check-up we were all cheering. That’s her one year cancer free and she is absolutely flying.
“She’s smashing Primary Three despite missing so much school and is loving being back at Brownies and gymnastics with all her friends. It’s just lovely to watch her living a normal life again.
“She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was four-years-old and she turns eight this year. At times you forget just how ill she was.”
The mum-of-two, who is married to Scott, 52, added: “Mila was given a bead for every treatment, procedure and operation she went through.
“The other day when I was threading them all together I realised there were more than 900. She went through numerous rounds of chemotherapy, steroid treatments, blood and platelet transfusions, lumbar punctures and needed a feeding tube fitted.
“It’s hard to believe that our daughter endured so much and did it all with a smile on her face and a bounce in her step.
“Mila still has blood tests every three months and is seeing a physio and orthopaedic specialist as the treatment has damaged the nerves in her feet.
“She’s also been wearing splints on her legs to stretch the muscles in her calves but nothing life throws at her fazes her. She continues to be our little warrior princess.
“We are immensely proud of her. She is full of sass, attitude and fun and I think being such a wee character is why she has made it this far.”
Mila, who was separated from her dad during the country’s first lockdown to protect her, won the hearts of the nation when the Princess of Wales chose to feature a photo of the little girl gazing at her father through the kitchen window in her book Hold Still: A Portrait of Our Nation in 2020.
Kate said the poignant image, entitled Shielding Mila, was one of her favourites in the book as it was “powerful” and “told the story of a difficult time”.
It was the start of a heartwarming friendship between the schoolgirl and Kate, who invited Mila to meet her at Edinburgh’s Holyroodhouse in May 2021.
The pair got on like a house on fire and the Princess, who got a butler to serve Mila a bowl of rice crispies when she said she was hungry, invited her to read aloud a prayer at her annual Together At Christmas Concert in Westminster Abbey.
Lynda, who is also mum to Jodi, 19, said: “The Princess of Wales has been lovely with Mila. She phoned her up during lockdown and they talked all things princesses. Kate then invited her to meet her in Edinburgh. It was a fabulous day out for all our family and Kate even went and changed into a pink dress because pink is Mila’s favourite colour.
“Speaking in front of all those people at Westminster Abbey was another fairytale moment for Mila and the Princess asked her to give her a twirl. She got to meet Prince William then too.
“When Mila started primary three the Princess sent her a handwritten letter wishing her all the best back at school and telling her how proud she and William are of her. It was so lovely.”
In 2021 Mila, who along with her mum, dad and big sister has helped raise thousnds of pounds for Blood Cancer UK, won our Little Champions Award in 2021.
Lynda said: “Being recognised with that award meant the world to Mila. It highlighted the magnitude of what she was going through and how strong she was for fighting it with such stength and grace.
“It also shone a light on a terrible illness that children are being diagnosed with every day and gave us a chance to thank NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for saving our daughter’s life.
“I knew Mila wasn’t quite right, she was having night sweats and was tired all the time so I took her to the doctor thinking they would tell me she was anaemic.
“Fortunately our GP recognised the signs and we got a quick diagnosis. We will be forever grateful to her and all the other NHS angels who have helped Mila along the way.”
Today we launch our search for Scotland’s Champions, the unsung heroes of 2023. Now is the time to tell us about the people you know who selflessly go above and beyond to help friends, families and communities.
The awards will be handed out on September 16 at a glittering ceremony in the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow Central, attended by celebrities, sports stars, politicians and all the nominees.
Bill Bullen, CEO and Co-founder of our title partner Utilita, said: “It’s a privilege and honour to hear about and celebrate the outstanding achievements of ordinary people across Scotland.
“I’m delighted that we at Utilita are sponsoring this remarkable campaign for the fifth year in a row.
“As a business that not only serves local communities in Scotland but wants to be part of them, we look forward to shining a light on your inspirational stories.
“Much like the champions we look forward to recognising over the coming months, Utilita always wants to go the extra mile. That’s why, this year, we will be incorporating our charity partner into the event.
“Utilita Giving works exceptionally hard to support those in fuel and food poverty across Scotland, through fundraising, grants and more.
“Here’s to another great year of Scotland’s Champions - good luck and see you at the awards ceremony!”
David Dick, editor-in-chief of Reach (Scotland), said: “Champions come in every shape and size. They rarely seek attention, yet what they do changes and transforms the lives of others - whether that’s in one simple act or a lifetime’s work.
“Scotland’s Champions is a celebration of their achievements.”
CARING CHAMPION
For individuals or teams who have made an outstanding contribution to the care of the people of Scotland. From NHS Scotland staff to people who work in the independent health and social care sectors - tell us about your caring heroes.
COMMUNITY CHAMPION
- in partnership with Utilita
This award celebrates an individual or group who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people within their local communities.
COMMUNITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Do you know a group who was funded by The National Lottery Community Fund that is helping your community to thrive? Tell us all about it.
ENTERTAINMENT CHAMPION
When it comes to entertaining, Scotland is world class. From music and comedy to writing and performing, we lead the way. Let us know who you think deserves this title.
LITTLE CHAMPION - UNDER 16 YEARS OLD
- in partnership with XSite Braehead
Do you know an extraordinary young person whose achievements, amazing courage or bravery make your heart burst with pride? Has someone you know battled the odds?
MILITARY & EMERGENCY SERVICES CHAMPION
We want to know about the beat bobby who goes an extra mile, the firefighter or paramedic at the heart of a community and the outstanding service person who deserves to be honoured.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT CHAMPION
This award goes to someone who has made a contribution of outstanding significance in their field over a number of years.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD
- in partnership with Specsavers
This award is for an individual or group who has made a difference to somebody’s life or to their local community. It’s those little acts of human kindness that can often make the biggest impact.
SPORTING CHAMPION
For someone who has shown real dedication and determination within the sporting community.
SCOTLAND’S CHAMPION
One winner from the category award winners will be selected by the judging panel to receive the title of Scotland’s Champion.
To nominate go to www.scotlandschampions.co.uk
- Nominations close on June 26
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