On 24th September, my darling grandson Angus was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer, T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (T-ALL).  He is one of under 100 children in the UK each year who receive this devastating diagnosis.

Despite chemotherapy starting immediately, for a while Angus counted as a 'slow responder'.  All of our worlds turned upside down.  Explaining to your nine-year old that his platinum blonde hair will soon be left in a halo on the pillow is the least of it.  We have been humbled by the extraordinary support from incredible teams at the Royal Marsden and St George's hospitals and an overwhelming response from family and friends.  We have now turned a corner and are on a path with a much more positive prognosis.  The planned chemo treatment lasts a tortuous 3 - 5 years, of which the first 8 months are the most brutal.

Somehow, through the quagmire of intense chemo treatment, multiple blood transfusions (30 to date) and a myriad of debilitating side effects, Angus has maintained his spirit.  His quirky wit, passion for reading and fascination with eccentric facts and all things scientific have stayed firmly intact.  His bravery and droll sense of humour throughout the constant medical drama and darkest times have inspired us all.

Something good must come of this life-changing experience.  No child should have to endure this and,  over the last few decades, research is having a real impact on outcomes.  For every child who achieves remission from cancer, typically 66 years of life are gained.  Yet because the numbers affected are far fewer than in adulthood, childhood cancer research receives vastly less funding from the major charities.

As a family we are working with the Giant Pledge to help beat childhood cancer.  Every penny raised goes to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the UK's largest drug development centre for children.

In January 2020 I made plans to organise a choral concert in Helmsley church to raise money for Angus' Pledge. In view of Covid 19, this has not been possible and may not be possible for some time to come.

I hope you will forgive this rather direct and impersonal way of raising funds and I apologise to anyone who has already kindly donated to this cause..

I also realise that at the moment there are many charities close to your hearts in need of funds, and completely understand if you feel this is one too many,

Jan Titchmarsh

It is now January 20th 2023. Angus's family and friends are overjoyed to be celebrating the end of his Leukaemia treatment  which has lasted three and a half years. In Assembly at Alleyns School where he is a pupil in year 8, Angus spoke about his illness. "You get a coloured bead each time something medical happens. White beads are for Chemo, black beads are for blood tests,  In total there are 947 beads. Today I get my purple heart bead awarded for bravery."

Further to celebrating the end of his treatment, Angus and his family and friends have raised over £120,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, who, along with the incredible teams at St. George's and Evelina Hospitals gave Angus extraordinary support over the course of his treatment.

To further celebrate Angus's recovery and support the life-saving work of the Royal Marsden Alleyns will be organising a sponsored walk later this year.

I would personally like to thank all those who have so generously donated to my Just Giving page and also supported me and the family during this difficult period.