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Here's my story and the reasons why I have chosen to fund raise for The Neuroblastoma Society.

Around March 2006 my beautiful daughter - Charlotte Rose Coates was diagnosed with having Neuroblastoma (a very rare but extremely aggressive form of childhood cancer). She was just 5 years old at the time.

It would be fair to say that upon hearing the dreadful and heartbreaking news it felt as if our world was going to fall apart. One thing was for sure, from that day on our world was never going to be the same again.

I like many other people had never heard of Neuroblastoma before. In fact up until then my family had never really been affected by cancer. Like every concerned parent I had so many questions and even now I still question myself as to how I didn't notice that anything was wrong with Charlotte's health. 

During diagnosis and for the majority of her treatment Charlotte was an inpatient at the Leicester Royal Infirmary on the children's Oncology ward. It was whilst on the ward that it became apparent just how many children and their families are affected by cancer. Charlotte's treatment involved Chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell harvest and high dose Chemotherapy. 

During this time Charlotte quickly adapted to life on the ward with loved one's remaining by her side at all times. With a positive attitude we all believed that Charlotte would make a full recovery. At this time we were not fully aware of just how aggressive this type of cancer could be and the likelihood of it returning following treatment.

Charlotte's treatment meant that she had to endure many side effects. These included hair loss, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, nausea and diarrhoea. In addition her medications were also given to her via a hickman line and food via a nasal tube. At times it felt like the treatment and it's effects were just as bad as the Neuroblastoma itself. It certainly felt that no child of such a young age should have to experience such pain and suffering.

Charlotte amazed us all with how she responded and coped with treatment. She was extremely brave and remained positive and dignified at all times. We were also fortunate to have the opportunity to spend quality time with Charlotte at home (in between treatment and when feeling well). The summer of 2006 will always be remembered by us all for the special times we shared with Charlotte at home.

The Chemotherapy was able to shrink the tumour in Charlotte's abdomen to a size where surgery could be completed. The majority of the tumour was then removed via surgery along with one of her kidneys and part of her bowel. Despite spending several days in intensive care Charlotte amazed us all by being able to come home and play outside with her brother a few days later. 

Charlotte even managed to return to school and was a bridesmaid at two weddings. Unfortunately due to complications resulting from the high dose chemotherapy Charlotte was admitted back into hospital in November 2006. She later passed away gracefully in the arms of her parents on 18th December 2006 at the age of 6 years old.

There is not a day goes by that I don't think about my brave and beautiful Charlotte Rose Coates. For those fortunate enough to have known Charlotte, they will understand just how she had the ability to touch the hearts of those around her. I have always wanted to do something in memory of Charlotte and the time now feels right. 

The three peaks challenge involves walking / climbing the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales during a 24 hour period (this includes travelling time between the three peaks). I will be performing the challenge with friends and colleagues from Leicestershire Police, the majority of which will be raising money for CLIC Sargent (another great charity). For those of you that know me, you will know that i am not the fittest of people and that participating in the three peaks challenge will be a real test of endurance. However I am confident that with your help, support and generosity I will be able to complete the challenge and raise money for The Neuroblastoma Society in Charlotte's memory. 

My aim is to raise at least a £1000 for the charity so all donations will be greatfully received.

Thanks

Chris x

 

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