Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Our 9yr old Grandson Leo was diagnosed in August of 2021 with Leukemia. It came as huge shock to all concerned. The diagnosis and the treatment were almost instant in their delivery, the treatment will likely be a 3.5-year road to recovery, a road that will have bumps along the way.

Those early days must have been overwhelming for Matt & Char (son and daughter-in-law) but on the face of it they appear to have remained calm and assured. We are so proud of them and of course Leo and his brother for how they have all managed the journey so far. The support they received at Southampton Hospital, where the children’s oncology wards covering the Hampshire area are based has been incredible. Aside from the wonderful staff at the hospital there are organisations/charities on hand to help families get to grips with what they are facing and what lies ahead. One of these organisations is ‘Abby’s Heroes’.

The aim of the charity is to help and support children and their families who come under the care of the Piam Brown and the Teenagers and Young Adults (TYA) wards in Southampton General Hospital. The catchment for these wards covers the south of England as it is a centre of excellence for children’s oncology. We aim to offer financial and practical help and importantly, the opportunity to make lasting memories for the children, young adults and their families.

As a family that has passed through this ward, they are acutely aware of what a traumatic and frightening journey it can be for both the child and their families. The child’s life is completely taken over by the diagnosis of childhood cancer and their family's worlds are thrown into utter chaos and panic as they watch their child go through the rigours of treatment.

The realty of the future these families face includes months or years of treatment, families are often separated for long periods, as parents need to stay with the child, but also may have siblings that need looking after as well. Jobs are put on hold and inevitably financial implications start to hit home, this puts a massive strain on families as normal life ceases to exist.

Abby’s heroes has been set up entirely with this in mind. Practical help will be given - financial grants to help people through a difficult time. Bereaved families may be given grants to help give parents time to grieve. Days out and fun memory-making grants will also be given, which will allow the families a chance to do something together.

So, I am carrying out a series of challenges - a bucketlist if you like, some of them are physical, many are not. I have created a website where you can read all about them here (cut & pate link) https://www.project60.net/

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast, and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So, it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.