We're back!!!! :)

Thank you to everyone who previously donated money to Children with Cancer UK and supported me, my father and Michael in our past events.

This time Michael and I are running the Great North Run which is in September and would like to ask for your support in raising money for the same amazing charity.

A lot of people know my reasons for continuing to raise money for this charity but for those who don’t my story is as follows....

I was 7 years old my family received the devastating news that I had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). The word Leukaemia didn't mean much to me at the time, except that it made me feel very poorly. All I knew was that I was about to spend much of my time in hospital surrounded by many other poorly children. I got told I would lose my hair as a side effect from the chemotherapy that I was about to under-go, and for my long blonde locks that was the toughest thing I had to accept in my short 7 years! And so I did lose it....3 times!! I started off wearing a wig as I didn't want people to see me without hair as I didn't think they would understand, especially people at school, but in time I became quite proud of my bald head and at the fact I was beating my illness.

I missed out on many things a 7 year old would do, like swimming and going out to play with friends, although I had many people visit me in hospital. Through my 2 years chemotherapy my family was there to support me 24/7 even though they found it just as hard, if not tougher than me. The nurses and doctors were amazing at the hospital and that’s why I can happily say I have been in remission for over 15 years!

But what I have to point out is that while the success rate of treatment is increasing, so is the number of children being diagnosed with a form of cancer. Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and is the most common type of childhood cancer, with almost 500 new cases every year in the UK.

Children with Cancer UK continue to investigate the causes of childhood cancer and aim to improve treatments, they also provide great care, raise awareness and campaign for such an important cause which I can proudly say is close to my heart and will continue to be a great part of my life.

Now, I know that Leukaemia affects certain blood cells, particularly the white cells, or leukocytes, which are part of the body's defence against infection and disease, and the symptoms are not always easily noticed and so with your donations you can help us raise money to make sure that the research and the amazing work keeps going.

Just Giving is totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So if you do wish to donate we would very much appreciate it, and look forward to reading some of your messages if you wish to leave them!

Thank you in advance,

Leanne and Michael