Hello,

As some of you may know, it has been a traumatic year for my family. In August 2022 our only child, daughter Daisy (now 13 years old) had a lifesaving operation, spent 12 days in intensive care and was started on chemotherapy and radiotherapy following a devastating diagnosis for paediatric cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma.

She is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The treatment is intensive with sometimes long overnight stays at the hospital and continuous care when she is at home with us.

Prior to the diagnosis Daisy was fit and healthy with 100% attendance record at primary and secondary school so the situation has been a complete shock and disbelief – what started as a persistent cough, rapidly deteriorated her health and turned out to be a symptom of the disease.

Alice’s Arc is a small charity that helps families with children that are experiencing rhabdomyosarcoma. My wife and I were fortunate enough to have met the founders of the charity Sara and David Wakeling who work with many families, scientists and doctors to find a cure. The treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma is very intensive and Sara, together with scientists and doctors, are trying to find new treatments that are less harsh for this awful disease. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a very rare disease that occurs in children and there is little awareness or funding for research.

For that purpose, I am fundraising for the charity in October (Royal Parks Half Marathon) and I am appealing to you for your help and support.

It is needless to say that we have been inspired by Daisy’s strength and bravery.

Thank you for your support.

Alan