A YOUNGSTER diagnosed with cancer last year has returned to East Lothian after spending 10 and a half weeks in the USA as part of a special trial.

Flora Gentleman, four, was due to fly home from New York at the end of September but, after what her mum Stephanie described as a “traumatic” plane experience, she and Flora’s dad Jamie opted to keep her in New York while she awaited her fourth vaccination.

Flora, who is from Aberlady, has since returned home and Stephanie shared her delight at being back in East Lothian again.

She told the Courier: “We’re so glad to be home now.

“After being away for over 10 weeks, it’s nice to be back home and be able to see family in person again.”

READ MORE: ‘Traumatic’ plane ordeal sees Flora remain in US

Stephanie said that, while the purpose of the trip to New York was a serious one, the family also made great memories over there.

East Lothian Courier: Flora, four, was diagnosed with cancer last year

She said: “Flora coped better across there than we thought.

“New York is very busy and very different to Aberlady.

“But she had a great time. She really enjoyed Central Park, I think that was her favourite place.

“We had a lot of free time over there between treatment so there were some great opportunities to make memories with her.”

The youngster, who turned four while she was in the US, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in April last year.

Since then, family, friends and strangers raised more than £200,000 to fund the trip and to ensure Flora could undergo treatment.

READ MORE: Flora Gentleman marks fourth birthday as vaccine trial continues

 

East Lothian Courier: Flora, four, was diagnosed with cancer last year

So far, Flora, who is autistic, has received four out of 10 vaccines as part of the trial.

Doctors won’t know how successful these vaccines have been until after treatment is finished.

Flora will stay in Aberlady over Christmas before flying back to New York for her next vaccine in January.

Stephanie said: “We’re really looking forward to Christmas now, where we’ll get to see family and friends, and Flora will get a chance to have Christmas at home.

“Thankfully, her next vaccines are a little more spaced out so we will only be in New York briefly in January before coming home.”

Stephanie shared the news of their return home on Facebook, thanking United Airlines for their customer service and support.

READ MORE: Family of Flora Gentleman, 3, thrilled to reach fundraising target for her cancer treatment

East Lothian Courier: Flora, four, was diagnosed with cancer last year

She said in a post: “We really want to give a big heartfelt shout out to United Airlines for their fabulous customer service teams both in Newark Airport and Heathrow.

“After our previous disastrous attempt to fly home, we were feeling anxious about flying with Flora again. We contacted United Airlines in the weeks leading up to our flight home to seek advice and request assistance.

“Our contact Suzanne was super helpful and ensured plans were put in place for our departure from Newark and arrival to Heathrow. She suggested we choose the bulkhead seats so that Flora would have more space and privacy, which turned out to be a real game-changer!

“We were greeted at the boarding gate by a super-friendly team of customer service agents who were on hand to help us onto the plane.

“As Flora has reduced mobility, they arranged to have her buggy waiting for us as she got off the plane in London. We were greeted at Heathrow by a lovely lady called Nilza who helped us fast track through security and helped to transport our luggage to a taxi.

“I can’t even begin to explain how thankful we were for the support. The friendly faces we met and the whole experience of flying with this added support really helped to take some pressure off mine and Jamie’s shoulders.”