10 days ago, my brother, Rafael, was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer. ALL is very rare with around 790 people being diagnosed in the UK each year, and most common in young children. Rafael spent 8 days at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), where he began his life-saving treatment.

Rafael is 7 years old, and the youngest of 4 siblings. He's energetic, fun and the life and soul of our home. This is the start of a challenging journey for Rafael, where he needs to be brave and strong. In the coming days his hair will begin to fall as a result of the chemotherapy. I have decided to take him to the hairdresser this week, where we will both have the same very short haircut. This will help make a potentially traumatic experience for Rafael, fun, and bring a smile to his face. I wish I could take all his pain away.

We hope that Rafael will undergo a shorter treatment period of 2.5 years at GOSH, because of the pioneering research which has helped find the most effective treatments and cures of leukemia, giving Rafael and many other children and their families hope.

But these advances have outstripped GOSH's current cancer care facilities, and the hospital needs a new home to create breakthrough therapies which will benefit children all over the world.

I am raising money for the new Children's Cancer Centre at GOSH, which will save even more children's lives. Having seen Rafael spend 8 days at GOSH, it's also essential that play will be at the heart of the Cancer Centre. Each ward will have an outdoor play area, which will manifest itself into a wonderful environment for families and children.

Please help me raise £18,000 for GOSH. The number 18 in Hebrew represents life, and with Rafael's illness we pray that he will make a full and speedy recovery.

Love Joey