AN awful lot can change in a year.

Last Christmas, the outlook was fairly bleak for Finn Martin and Harry Kirkman, two Wiltshire youngsters who have faced enormous challenges since birth.

But after the unending support of their respective families and the tireless work of medical staff, things are looking more positive a year on.

Finn’s mum, Debbie, from Warminster, described how the four-year-old is getting on since being diagnosed with leukaemia in October last year.

“Finn is currently in remission and is in the twelfth cycle of maintenance to try and prevent it from happening again,” she said.

“We went to Salisbury Hospital recently and saw a consultant who said he’s doing remarkably well considering how he was this time last year.

“In fact she said he could be a ‘poster boy’ for leukaemia which was amazing to hear.

“His daily level of chemotherapy has gone up which is a shame, but that’s just life.

“He is back at school and recently took part in the nativity performances which was fantastic to watch. We’re going to continue trying to make as many memories as possible for him.”

Mrs Martin added that her son has become a 'local celebrity' after sounding the klaxon to bring down the Westbury chimney and pressing the button to switch on Warminster's Christmas lights along with his brother Archie.

Harry, from Melksham, was born with meningitis which led to cerebral palsy. His wish in life is to walk and he had an operation in July to help make that dream possible.

His mum, Charlotte, said: “Harry is doing really well. He has worked very hard and it has been tough for all of us, but it’s all worth it to see the improvements he makes.

“There’s quite a bit of physio coming up which is a follow-on from the operation he had in July. We won’t know if it was a successful operation for a few years yet but things are looking good.

“Before the operation he was fed up of fighting his own body but now he’s achieving more and more each week.

“In September he will be starting school which is exciting but also petrifying for us.”