Two years ago my eldest nephew David set off on his 1st year residential trip with Balerno High School. On his return he didn’t feel great and after a number of trips in and out of sick kids he was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Nothing prepares you for that news. Instead of a special Christmas with his two younger brothers and sister, he spent 3 months in Edinburgh Sick Kids enduring the effects of gruelling intensive chemotherapy.

Teenage Cancer Trust (amongst many other amazing charities) made a huge difference to David’s time in hospital and still to this day. Being a teenager - neither a young child or an adult, is tricky in a hospital environment. Conor from Teenage Cancer Trust spent time with David from the minute he landed at Sick Kids. He chatted with him, played computer games, sourced games and films, watched films, built models. The list goes on, 24 hours a day 7 days a week in hospital is a long stint. He not only supported David, but also my sister and brother in law and all of the extended family. Almost two years on and Connor organises evenings for patients to get together, dinner and trips out. He, with the support from Teenage Cancer Trust, kept David smiling through the darkest days. We can never thank TCT enough for their support.

David responded really well to his treatment and is now back at Balerno High School and living life as a 14 year old boy should (a lot of football and Fortnite!).

Sincerest thanks for any amount you can donate. We are holding a Charity Ladies’ Night in November, email me if you’d like further information.

Thanks again,

Jillian

Jenja21@hotmail.com