Brave Lochgelly youngster Ava Stark has begun primary one after undergoing a lifesaving bone marrow transplant.
The plucky five-year-old set off for her first day at Lumphinnans Primary Community School with her emotional family by her side.
Ava touched the hearts of thousands after being diagnosed with inherited bone marrow failure in April 2016.
After a worldwide search, which prompted more than 83,000 to register as potential donors, the youngster found her match and underwent the transplant in December that year.
Ava, who became the face of a recruitment campaign by charity Anthony Nolan, has gone from strength to strength, meaning she can start primary school on time.
Mum Marie yesterday said: “There were hundreds and millions of times that I didn’t think this day would come.
“I can’t thank everyone who signed up as donors enough because they helped make this day possible.
“My mum’s been homeschooling Ava since she got ill so she’s going to feel like she’s lost her left arm now Ava’s going to school.
“Ava is so excited but the same rules about germs and things stand. The hospital are going to send a nurse to speak to the staff and they’ve all asked for pictures of her first day.”
Gran Agnes Sutherland added: “I’m so proud of how far Ava has come. I never ever thought we would see this day. I’m heartbroken but happy.”
Over at Aberdour Primary, triplets started school for the first time.
Paige, Lottie and Aidan Robson were waved off by mum Hannah Norman.
And Burntisland Primary School was seeing double – at the double.
Two sets of twins started primary one on Wednesday, including Izzy and Mhairi Stroud, 5.
One mum who is rather familiar with schools across Fife waved off her own child as he embarks on his first steps in education.
Among the anxious parents was SNP councillor Fay Sinclair, convener of Fife’s education and children’s services committee, who dropped her second son, Andrew, off to start his first day at Carnegie Primary School in Dunfermline.
