Brave little festive angels

A child's first nativity performance is an emotional milestone and for these families, 3 it's extra special. Meet four young stars who have overcome all the odds to shine bright

- KATE SKELTON

'It's going to be absolutely magical'

Florence Harrison (Florrie), four, lives in Hampshire with her parents Jess, 40, an occupational therapist, and Tom, 39, a psychological therapist, and sister Lucy, nine. Having been diagnosed with leukemia aged two, Florrie had a stem cell transplant last year at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Now in full remission, she started school in September.

She tells us, “I love dressing up and I’m excited about being on a stage and performing with my friends. I am looking forward to all the presents too.”

As for a possible visit from Santa Claus, the brave little girl – who is appearing as a donkey at her first nativity play – says she’d like “some new rainbow fairy wings and a Polly Pocket for Christmas”.

Mum Jess tells us, “The nativity play feels like such a big occasion for our family as Florrie was in isolation for two years and was never able to do anything like this. Last year she had the transplant which saved her life. To see her going to school and being part of a nativity is huge. A year ago I didn’t dare imagine we’d get to this stage.

“My Christmas wish is for Florrie to have many more, just like this one. She loves Christmas so for us, the countdown starts at Easter!”

And appearing on the stage won’t be daunting for Florrie, as Jess explains, “She loves performing and putting on shows and wearing glittery, sparkly clothes. In fact she would often be seen strutting up and down the corridors of our treatment hospital wearing her fairy outfit and every accessory she could find.