Many of you will know Chris Bradshaw, or ‘Bradders’, from his RAF days where he was involved in SAR (Search And Rescue) and MERT (Medical Evacuation Response Team). If you haven’t yet heard about his daughter Elodie’s battle with Leukaemia I’m sure you’ll be as saddened as I was when I heard and understand my need to do something to help.

When thinking up ideas of how best to raise money one concept repeatedly came to mind…people are likely to pay money to see me suffer! Hence the challenge of a boxing match (against a much younger opponent) in Lincoln. Then win, loose or draw I will get into my car and drive to the start of the Cotswolds Way where I will trek the 104 miles of the cross country trail self-sustained (yes, carrying my own kit and wild camping….hoping for good weather!). The challenge commences Saturday 1st July and hopefully finishes a few days later!

It’s going to be a challenge so please give generously. If you want to come and watch the boxing match DM me for a ticket, and I’d welcome company on the Cotswolds Way if anyone fancies joining me for a bit of the trek!

It’s for an incredibly worthy cause and any money donated will be going directly towards helping give the Bradshaw family a very well-deserved treat and something to look forward to.

Credit to Neil Clements for orchestrating the main Disney collection for the Bradshaws. The copy below is provided by him

The Bradshaw's story:

Diagnosed with Leukaemia in March 2022, Elodie has displayed her strong character throughout her intensive treatment. Despite the days of feeling ill and regular trips to hospital to manage spiking temperatures, she has always had a smile on her face. Elodie is also doing fantastically at staying in touch with school and keeping on top of lessons between her treatments. We all love seeing their adventures on social media including the halloween fancy dress competition (which she won!).

Harry has been a great support to his little sister throughout her journey. While accepting Elodie needs a little more focus from his parents in terms of time he has continued with his love of the outdoors and kickboxing.

This lovely pair are supported unreservedly by their parents: Chris and Louise. The couple have shown resilience within their family life but also a real dedication to their work commitments to ensure life continues ‘as normal as possible.’ Louise has had to alter her working arrangements at the children’s hospice, often working longer days or picking up weekend shifts to maintain her pharmaceutical role.

Chris (Bradders), known to many through his previous Royal Marines and Royal Air Force service, has barely missed a beat. With his unending dedication to the UK’s Helicopter Search and Rescue community, Chris continues to put others first, both in work for the Coastguard (Bristow) and at home.

Whilst the family are managing heroically given the circumstances, the regular trips to Liverpool for treatment alongside unexpected stays in hospital mean that all elements of their lives are extremely hectic. Behind the scenes the couple pass like ships in the night, Louise often working a few hours before Chris departs for shift and the opposite on his return.

This page is established with one goal in mind, which is to allow those on the periphery to show the family that we all care and want to help in any way we can. We want the money raised on this page to fund a truly once in a lifetime family trip to Disney once Elodie feels comfortable after her treatment finishes in 2024.

Please give what you can to this fantastic family that continue to fight through this difficult time. The page will be shared where possible on social media, but please continue to let others know of this opportunity to show the family that they are all in our hearts.