A decade ago two young people woke up in HDU after surgery at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham after having life changing surgery. My son, Kieran was one of those kids who had had his first limb lengthening surgery, the other was the amazing Emma Cosgrove who had at the same time as Kieran had had Limb Salvage surgery. At the age of 11, Emma was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in her right femur she went on over the next seven years to relapse 8 times and after many courses of chemo and surgeries, Emma lost her battle and gained her wings on 24th June 2017, just one week after her 19th Birthday.

Kieran and Emma competed in the gym, not only screaming contests, but on the physio exercises, she called him Kiki, and her lovely family still do – they ruled the Ward 11, raced at midnight in wheelchairs, kept staff on their toes and our families supported each other through dark times and sun shiny days. Iona always felt part of our hospital gang, and Emma's family became our family by heart.

Kieran has grown up, Emma will remain ‘Forever 19’.

My lovely daughter, Iona who is almost the age Emma was when she gained her wings, has decided that her beautiful very long black hair would be best used by a charity that makes wigs for young people who have lost theirs, as Emma did – even though she was beautiful without hair, inside and out – hair can make all the difference. She often spoke about the synthetic wigs, and her sister and friends donated their hair.

Iona, loves and respects the family and has followed Emma’s journey, and found support as she has struggled with her own personal issues from the words that Emma wrote – a truly inspirational, selfless person.

Iona has decided to have her hair cut and it would be amazing if you would consider donating towards this foundation, supporting Iona in helping this amazing new charity to help other young people who have cancer, bringing distraction and a smile in difficult times – as Emma always manged to do!

Thankyou!