IT is a nerve-wracking day for any child.

But brave Felix Brown who is battling leukaemia took his first day at secondary school in his stride, helped by a special message from former AFC footballer and leukaemia survivor Yann Kermorgant.

The youngster’s courageous battle against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and his heartwarming blog has won hearts across the country.

Now nearly half way through his three year treatment, the 11-year-old is looking to the future at Twynham School.

And his family are determined to raise awareness of the disease and mum Kerry is writing a blog a day to mark September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

In a blog, teacher Kerry said: “Felix is a lucky one. I know a number of families who will not be able to post their back to school photo this year.

“I know families who would give anything to label a uniform, pack a lunch box and give their child a kiss as they leave the house for the new school year.

“For those families my heart is with you.

“Today my heart will also be in my throat as I think of my middle child starting a new chapter. When the register is taken this morning, nobody will really have any idea about what he has been through in the last 18 months. Felix doesn’t want them to. He is starting secondary school in long-term maintenance, still taking daily chemotherapy with weekly blood tests and fortnightly reviews. However, his sights are on playing rugby and using Bunsen burners and that’s exactly how it should be!

She added: “It’s tough because I would truly love to wrap him in cotton wool but I know I can’t. I can’t wait for him to grasp the opportunities and experiences available to him at secondary school with two hands and love every moment.”

Former Cherries striker Yann Kermorgant, who has supported Felix since his diagnosis, submitted a guest post to Kerry’s blog The Diary of Mrs Brown revealing how Felix’s cancer was diagnosed the same month exactly 20 years after his.

He said: “I am really proud of Felix for what he has achieved, not only for what he does himself to fight against cancer but for his determination to stay always positive and keep smiling.

“Good luck mon Ami and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask me if I can help.”

Felix’s posted on his blog: “I survived! It was amazing. I got 3AAs, played football at lunchtime and made lots of new friends.”

To read the full blog posts go to https://mrsbrown.me/