After the Liverpool Santa Dash and the amazing response we had from so many, we are warmed up and ready to go again….

My name is Nic and I am mum to ‘Super’ Sophia who is 3 years old.

In April last year our life was turned upside down when Sophia was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Sophia is being treated at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and we owe them so much.

To show our appreciation and to try and support such a wonderful charity my brother in law and I have decided to do the Liverpool Half Marathon on 17th March.

I have never done anything like this before and this has taken me massively out of my comfort zone. However, having watched my little girl face and overcome so many challenges that no child should ever endure, I’ve realised this is most definitely achievable.

Please dig deep and help us raise as much money as we can.

Our treatment journey so far:

Within hours of Sophia’s devastating diagnosis last year, Sophia and I were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and within the same day my baby was taken to theatre and her chemotherapy therapy began.

At the time, my husband and I were in a state of shock, everything was hazy and we felt like we were watching somebody else’s lives fall apart.

It was important for the hospital to share information and prepare us for what was happening and what was to lie ahead for the next few years, however there was no way we could process anything at that time. The Oncology team at Alder Hey were so compassionate, kind and understanding, and ensured we had just enough information to process and the time and support we needed.

The unit very quickly became our ‘safe space’ and our ‘normal world’ felt so far away. At first I didn’t want to go home, or see or speak to anyone who didn’t understand Sophia’s needs. The team didn’t just care and treat Sophia, they also cared and supported us, getting to know us all.

Since treatment commenced Sophia has encountered a high number of hospital visits, overnight stays and even a very scary HDU stay with sepsis. Even though it’s clear the team are stretched, they are always approachable and no matter what we ask for, nothing ever appears to be an issue.

The oncology team are so wonderful, they really understand Sophia - not just her clinical and physical needs - but her individual needs, her personality and quirky ways.

Sophia will be receiving treatment until May 2025, we owe the hospital so much already, so raising money to support the charity seems the least we can do.

Please help us raise some money for this amazing hospital. Your support will help to enhance the clinical care and resources available to people who are going through some really challenging times. It will also support the hospital’s ongoing research of Leukaemia and other diseases, including their prevention.