Seirian Richards, aged 10, was just seven when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a type of blood cancer, in October 2022.
Doctors initially thought her leg pain was a pulled muscle from Taekwondo or simply growing pains – but the reality was far more serious.
Her mum Amanda said: “The pain got worse over two weeks until Seirian was screaming in agony. Just two hours after a blood test, we got a call to go to hospital. We were in complete shock – she had gone from a happy, sporty, school-loving seven-year-old to being diagnosed with cancer and feeling really poorly.”
Seirian then underwent intensive chemotherapy the very next day at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Hospital.
Later, treatment switched to immunotherapy after she suffered a clot on the brain. She endured multiple infections, long hospital stays, and side effects like joint pain and mobility problems – but never lost her smile.
Amanda added: “From the moment she was diagnosed, Seirian battled her way through treatment. We couldn’t be more proud of the incredible human being she is, facing fear, pain and struggles with such courage. She is a true star.”
Earlier this year, on Valentine’s Day, Seirian rang the bell to mark the end of chemotherapy. Her chest line was removed in April, and since then she’s been rebuilding her strength, inspiring others – and even returning to Taekwondo, showing her determination to get back to the sport she loves.
To recognise her bravery, Seirian was awarded one of Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People’s Star Awards – a national accolade given to every child diagnosed with cancer. Along with her star-shaped trophy, she received a £50 TK Maxx gift card, a t-shirt, and a certificate signed by celebrity supporters.
During treatment, Seirian turned to art to stay positive, even staging an exhibition called “Seirian versus the Leukaemians” at Tŷ Pawb in Wrexham. Her love of space and the Beads of Courage she received during treatment inspired her work.
Now, to mark her first Christmas since finishing her cancer treatment, Seirian has once again created her own artwork to help launch Cancer Research UK’s Star Awards – a special scheme celebrating the courage of children and young people facing cancer.
Read more
After hearing about the exhibition at Ty Pawb, Cancer Research UK invited Seirian to create a special piece to show what her Star Award means to her. Her drawing, titled “We Are All Made of Stars”, carries a powerful message; “The rainbow represents hope, the birds represent love. The castle ruin is strength, the daisy is determination and I am courage.”
This Christmas, Seirian’s artwork is being shared nationwide to inspire others and encourage families to nominate children diagnosed with cancer for the Star Award.
Mum Amanda said: “Seirian is so proud of her Star Award and the picture she created to show what it means to her. It’s such a beautiful way to express what she’s been through and what this recognition means to her. We think all children who are diagnosed with cancer should receive one.”
Every child nominated receives the accolade, which is backed by a host of famous faces including children’s poet and author Joseph Coelho, US singer 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 in the UK who have been treated for the disease within the past five years.
Cancer Research UK is the biggest charitable funder of research into children’s and young people’s cancers in the UK. Clinical trials coordinated by the charity’s children’s cancer unit are making innovative new treatments available across Wales.
Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Wales, 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 Seirian’s been through, it’s been an absolute privilege to celebrate her incredible courage with a Star Award – and to see her launch this year’s awards with her stunning artwork makes it even more special.”
