In September, Sylvain and Lee will ride over 1000km from Chambery, France (Sylvain's home city) to Naomi House and Jacksplace Children's Hospices in Hampshire (UK). We are doing this in memory of Sylvain's incredibly brave 8-year-old daughter and little buddy Zoe who died of brain cancer (DIPG) on June 12th 2019 after a 3-year fight and to raise as much money as possible for Naomi House and Jacksplace to support the children and their families.

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DIPG is a highly aggressive and difficult to treat paediatric brain tumour. Malignant cells are scattered amongst healthy cells in the brain stem so they cannot be removed. DIPG leaves kids mentally intact but steals essential bodily functions over time as the tumour grows, such as vision, chewing, swallowing, walking and breathing. DIPG is often considered the worst type of cancer in existence. DIPG strikes between 4-11 years of age. Around 40 children are affected per country per year, equivalent to 1 diagnosis every 9 days. The average survival for DIPG is just 9 months, and 90% will die within 2 years of diagnosis. DIPG has a survival rate of 0% as there is no cure. Neil Armstrong’s daughter died of DIPG in 1962. There have been no standard, effective treatments developed in 40 years. There is no known cause of DIPG, and yet Sylvain's unique daughter had DIPG.

We are supporting Naomi House & Jacksplace as Sylvain and his family were given the opportunity to stay there three times, including Zoe’s last stay when she actually passed away there. Their nursing, care, play and family support teams are experts in delivering the crucial emotional, spiritual and developmental aspects of care that families need. Their emphasis on innovation, clinical excellence and holistic care means we can care for children and young people with some of the most complex medical needs. Your donation could go towards a much-needed respite stay, vital nursing care, family bereavement support, a messy play session, a dip in the hydrotherapy pool, sensory therapy and many more services that Naomi House & Jacksplace provides. Moments that matter for our families. This standard of care costs money; £8.5 million per year to be precise. With only 9% of income coming from Government and statutory sources, Naomi House & Jacksplace rely on the support of people like you.

Naomi House & Jacksplace provide expert hospice care to more than 550 life-limited and life-threatened children, young adults and families from central southern England. Our vision is that every child, young adult and family receive the care services they need, when and where they need them, for as long as needed. We offer vital respite support, allowing families to recharge their batteries and regroup in a calm, fun and welcoming environment. In times of emergency, we’re there, giving families the help they need through a difficult time.

How Your Donation Will Make a Difference

£38 could help pay for a 1-on-1 session with a bereavement counsellor or therapist

£55 could help give life-limited children a sensory session

£120 could help cover the cost of a sibling support day