Introduction: 

Last year you may remember Client services took on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge for a cause and a charity that was close to our hearts.This year we are about to embark on another challenge for another great cause that is also close to our hearts.

This year we want to open up the event as wide as possible for as many of you to join in, as it's a great thing to do as a team to get to know each other and we want to raise as much money as possible.

We intend on raising money to specifically support the ‘Ladies’ on Ward 27 of the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Our Plan is to walk from Head Office to Leicester Royal Infirmary on Saturday 20th May( circa 36 miles, route TBC) 

To help you understand why this is such a great cause and close to our hearts, please take a minute to read Chris’s story.

Chris’s story:

On August 4th 2022 at 20:20 we were told that Luke (aka Baby Luke / Luke Skywalker Griffin) our youngest son, aged 23 months had T Cell, ALL - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. 

We had gone to the doctor for what we felt was a very routine check. A rash that had developed over 3 days. There was no illness and no other warning signs. He was a happy, active, and very cheeky toddler. In fact the morning before diagnosis he was running and playing in the park with his sister and friends.

Instantly our world changed and everything started moving very quickly. We were transferred straight to Leicester Royal Infirmary Children's Hospital, Ward 27. He was put on a drip to lower his exceptionally high white cell count, which at the time of diagnosis was reading 400+. We were also given an outline of the next 4 weeks of treatment, the consultant being very careful to drip feed information so we weren’t overwhelmed.

In less than 24 hours Luke was then in for an operation to have a Hickman line fitted and to have his first lumbar puncture and intrathecal chemotherapy. I am still amazed at how quickly the NHS acted, from a doctor's appointment one day, to an operation and life-saving treatment the next. 

Quite early on in this diagnosis, we were made aware of the length of the treatment. 2 years on average. The next few weeks were incredibly challenging, the chemo and medications were intense. Luke suffered from many side effects and has been incredibly resilient and brave throughout. After a few weeks, we were discharged and able to try to understand our new normal. 

We are often in our second home as we call it. Be this due to side effects or illness caused by his immuno-compromised state. Every time we are in they do everything they can to make us feel at home. 

Ward 27 is a dedicated treatment for Children and Young Adults with cancer. They have been amazing throughout this process. Luke calls them his ‘Ladies.’ Referring to all the nurses and play therapists that look after him while he is there. They have become a part of our family and we will be forever grateful to them. We want to do all we can to ensure the staff and their patients are supported. 

A testament to how strong a bond Luke has developed with the Ward and its staff, is a few weeks ago when he had a high temperature. This was in the early hours of the morning and is an instant reason for us to go into the hospital. A temperature could be a sign of an infection in his line. Throughout the drive to the hospital, he struggled to sleep, clearly uncomfortable and tired. As soon as we parked in the car park, he started to try and undo his car seat and shouted in excitement. “Daddy, come on, got to go see the Ladies!” He then smiled and waved at everyone he saw inside, and once in his room he settled straight away, able to finally sleep. Clearly still uncomfortable and quite unwell, but happier that his 'Ladies were looking after him.’. Straight away a consultant was assessing him and he started a 36-hour course of IV antibiotics via his Hickman line. I find it amazing that no matter how poorly he feels, he has built such a relationship with those in the Ward that they instantly have a positive impact on him. 

All the funds will be going to Ward 27.