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Rach and I are fundraising for CLIC Sargent because we have seen first hand the incredible support they have given our friends and their daughter, Sophie Williams.

When Sophie was first diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia) at the age of 10 in October 2012, her parents were told that treatment would be 2 years and 3 months. That's such a long time in a child's life. Treatment has consisted of 8 months of intensive treatment of up to 5 days per week of chemotherapy; frequent lumbar punctures (chemotherapy injected into the spine); and extensive spells of debilitating steroids.

Sophie is now in the maintenance phase of her treatment, which started in July 2013 and will continue until February 2015.  Sophie has daily and weekly oral chemotherapy; monthly chemotherapy through a medical port in her chest; lumbar punctures every 12 weeks and steroids for 5 days each month.  

Sophie's parents anticipated that maintenance would bring a return to near normal life and that Sophie would regain her energy levels and a normal family routine would return. Unfortunately, this hasn't been the case and Sophie still only manages around 50% of school because the ongoing treatment has such an impact. Recently, the steroids have been withdrawn from her treatment since they have caused Osteonecrosis in her ankle and knee joints. Sophie has needed numerous blood transfusions and will likely need more before the end of her treatment. Just since December, she has been unexpectedly hospitalised 3 times and received 2 transfusions.

Sophie has shown fantastic bravery throughout her treatment and continues to amaze us with her beautiful smile and positive attitude – an inspiration to us all.

Every day 10 families across the UK are given the devastating news that their child has cancer. Please find it in your heart to give generously to this hard working charity.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and 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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.