Dear Theodora-Angelica, My Hero,

We first met back in 2014, at only seven years old you were (and still are) this incredibly talented and inspiring musician, that everyone talked about! (And like the utterly bonkers, somewhat crazy, classical music fan I am, I was desperate to meet you)

I started learning the Viola at six years old, the flute came second. Learning two instruments...well that was more than plenty for me, then I met you; Violin, Viola, French Horn and Piano, all of which you were (and still are!) executing with such beauty, poise and grace.

I can remember that day in 2016, so clearly, when I was told you were starting treatment....the C word....’but she’s just nine years old’. Of course, like the inspirational hero that you are, you weren’t just ‘kicking Cancer apart’, you were practicing all your instruments from your hospital room and putting on concerts for the other patients. (I mean...what an attention seeker. I hope they tipped you well!)

Ever since the first day I met you, you have not only grown into an incredible young lady, musician and all round little genius, but have continued to inspire, worry, entertain and captivate myself and the hearts of everyone you come into contact with.

Then Remission came..... it was music to our ears (oh come on, I couldn’t help it). The one word we were all desperate to hear and when it landed, it was as if a huge weight had been lifted off our shoulders. You’d shown us all who was boss, the true definition of a fighter and taken charge of the uninvited guest living inside you.

You’ve experienced and, are sadly, continuing to experience something that some grown ups, can barely get their heads around, let alone live and breathe. Yet you’ve executed each day with such bravery, dignity, a collection of the world driest jokes (which you must promise to continue to tell over and over again, forever) and the worlds most incredible parents, to ever grace the planet! To them I am eternally grateful for bringing you and your sisters into my life and allowing me to be a part of your family.

On Saturday 25th of May ‘19 I’ll be walking 100km (63 miles) from London to Brighton. I’ve thought about this challenge, about what it would mean to me, what would give me strength when my body starts to ache and fatigue sets in, but more importantly, what will inspire me, deeply enough, to carry me across that finish line? And every time I thought about it, I arrived at the same, stand out, answer....YOU, Theodora-Angelica.

Now on the brink of preteen, you’re hilarious, an absolute heartbreaker, you’re the little sister I never had, my little hero. Taking on this challenge for both you and your family is an immeasurable honour and I can’t wait to watch you continue to grow and see what the universe has in store.

All My Love

Khadija x

Adding another string to her bow, (no pun intended). If you would like to follow the rest of Theodora-Angelica’s journey, she is beautifully documenting how she ‘kicks cancer apart’ , for the third time, through her wonderfully witty blog ‘HL Messed With The Wrong Chick’ - https://theoslymphoma.blogspot.com/