Back in October last year our lives fell apart when our youngest of 3, Francesca (then 12), was diagnosed with brain cancer. After successful surgery in Bristol Children’s Hospital, she underwent 5 weeks of intensive radiotherapy in the Bristol Haemotology & Oncology Centre. Given we live 30 minutes south of Exeter in Bishopsteignton, myself and my wife had to stay in Bristol for the whole period in order to provide the support to Francesca at such a tough time. That’s when Young Lives vs Cancer stepped in and we were able to stay in very comfortable warm charity accommodation within easy walking distance of the hospital. I genuinely don’t know what we would have done without them. All the staff and fellow patients/families were amazing and of such support.

Her prognosis looks positive after 2 clear scans following the end of her treatment. Life will be challenging for Fran going forwards as the tumour has done irreparably damage to her pituitary gland resulting in diabetes insipidus and to her eyesight leaving her visually impaired, so it’s small steps on what will be a long journey.

A group of fellow school and university friends from The King’s School, Canterbury and The University of Liverpool have clubbed together to walk at least 500 miles (as well as some head shaving & hair braiding) for this amazing charity, which really gave us a lifeline at such a critical time. This will kick off from Devon on 22nd June 2024.

The NHS often comes in for such bad press, so it's really important to highlight how truly amazing and life-saving they have been. Fran left a lesson at school on a Tuesday afternoon to go over the road for a follow-up eye appointment. The results of this prompted an overnight stay with the tumour diagnosed on the Wednesday followed by blue lights up to Bristol that day with the surgery carried out on the Thursday. The care she then received in Daisy ward and the radiology department was unbelievable. Furthermore this has since continued from Bramble ward in Exeter hospital after we returned home. Wow.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer life becomes full of fear, for them and their family. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. But every day 12 more children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer. We’ll face it all together – but we can’t do it without you.

To find out more visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk