Esme's, and our life, was turned upside down in early March when she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

She's been through the wringer since then with a multitude of tests, biopsies, surgical procedures, and a 3 rounds of intensive chemotherapy.

One day during the first shocking round of chemo, mum was giving Es a bit of a pamper and a manicure - including as every 9 year old girl expects, a spot of nail polish. So to try and help put a smile on her face I thought I'd join in. But Esme wouldn't let me go for the subtle pink polish she was having, I had to go full-on, with the brightest sparkliest red nail polish she could find!! "Fair enough" I thought, "it's only for a bit I'll take it off later"...the smile was worth it.

But that smile got even bigger as Esme let me know in no uncertain terms that my foray into fantabulous nails had to last an entire week. A week that she knew would be full of school runs, zoom calls with work, a hospital moves (with all the new faces that would bring) and plenty of other opportunities to show her wonderful handiwork to the world....and so the "Esme's Man-icure Challenge" was born.

Esme would love it if we could raise a bit of money for some of the lovely, fantastic people who have helped us and so many other families find our way on this horrible journey.

So if you fancy making a donation, or getting sponsored for how long you can keep the polish on for, all will be gratefully received.

Big Love,

Rich, Alice and Esme xxx