My wife Janine was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in March. This would have been enough of a blow at the best of times, except that we were already expecting our daughter when we found out. “Dot” (who will have a different name, but this is likely to stick as a nickname!) is due around 15 July and Janine is going to have to have chemotherapy after the birth.



Since the diagnosis we’ve been overwhelmed by the support – whether financial, emotional, spiritual or physical (or a combination!) – from our friends and family, and have had some additional support from Mummy’s Star, a fantastic organisation specifically dedicated to mothers who are diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or within a year after having a baby. As well as making a grant to support us after Dot is born, they have put Janine in touch with a lovely group of ladies who have undergone or are undergoing similar issues at the moment, and we’re hugely grateful for their help at this time.



I have to say I hadn’t heard of Mummy’s Star before Janine was told about them, and while it’s nice to know that Janine isn’t the only one in all of this, we’ve been saddened to find that there are in fact quite large numbers of other expectant and/or new mothers in the same position. So, to raise awareness of the organisation, in the hope that word will spread and others in Janie’s situation can find similar support in the future, I’m having a Big Haircut. Janine and her daughter Jessica will be shaving my head and streaming the action live on Facebook, so you can have a laugh at my expense while it’s all going on!



If you’d like to make a contribution, I know the people at Mummy’s Star would be really grateful for your support, as are we for the help we’ve had from them already. Please feel free to share it with your friends and invite them to watch as well!



Many thanks,

Luke and Janine