How Franklin has gone from cancer treatment to shining star!

But look closely at the back of his jaw, where it meets his neck. Beneath his perfect skin, a cancerous tumour is growing.

Aged just 21 months, Franklin, from Bexhill, East Sussex, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of soft tissue cancer, just before Christmas 2024.

The shocking diagnosis threw his parents, George Porter and Gaby Siry, into a whirlwind of doctors, treatment and hospital admissions.

The family put their lives on hold as Franklin underwent chemotherapy treatment and joined the Cancer Research UK-funded FAR-RMS trial, which aims to improve and investigate new treatments for rhabdomyosarcoma.

But just over a year on, and thanks to treatment, Franklin is now well. He has started nursery, had a sunshine family holiday to Lanzarote.

Franklin is also the recipient of a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People ‘Star’ Award which honours the bravery of youngsters going through cancer treatment.

George said: “The rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis had such a huge impact on us – our lives were put on hold. But time has passed, and such a lot has happened – it almost feels like a daydream.

“We’ve had to adjust but have tried to make Frank’s life as normal as possible. It’s a hard time - you have to take it at your own pace and ride it out.

“But Frank is doing really well and it’s great to get back to pretty much normality. He loves nursery, he loves going to the park and he really enjoys going to the farm – he loves animals!

“He’s also become a little celebrity in our community – people have seen him on social media or heard about him, and they come and say hello. He’s very sociable so that makes him happy.”

Franklin was too young to understand how poorly he was and regular trips to hospital became a normal part of his week.

“But he knows he got his Cancer Research UK Star Award for being brave,” said George.

Franklin is now on maintenance treatment so goes to hospital once a week for three weeks, and then has a week off.

With the trial, the family is waiting to see if he will have an extra year of treatment in the next randomisation stage.

George and Gaby are encouraging other families to nominate children going through cancer treatment for a Star award.

Around 490 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East every year,*** but new discoveries and breakthroughs are leading to more effective and less toxic treatments.

Cancer Research UK is the biggest charitable funder of research into children’s and young people’s cancers in the UK.

The Star Awards are backed by a host of famous faces, including children’s poet and author Joseph Coelho, US singer, dancer and reality TV star JoJo Siwa, pop icon Pixie Lott, TV personality Dr Ranj and children’s TV favourite Mister Maker.

There is no judging panel because the charity believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition. The awards are open to all under 18s who live in the UK and have been treated for the disease within the past five years.*

As well as a star-shaped trophy, Franklin also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card,** t-shirt and a certificate signed by the celebrities.

Thanks to vital research work, children’s cancer survival in the UK has more than doubled since the 1970s.****

But the Star Awards help shine a light on the unique challenges still faced by children like Max.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Sussex, Lynn Daly, said: “We’re committed to driving forward progress to ensure more children and young people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. After everything Franklin has been through, it’s lovely to celebrate his courage with a Star Award.

“A cancer diagnosis is heart-breaking at any age, but it can be particularly difficult for little ones - especially when many may experience life-long side effects from their treatment. That’s why we’re funding dedicated research to find new and better ways to beat this devastating disease.

“The Star Awards are a wonderful way to give these extraordinary children the special recognition they deserve, so we hope people will nominate their own Stars too.”

Nominate a child or young person for a Star Award at cruk.org/starawards