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As lots of you know I am doing the Blenheim triathlon again this year. I have been getting up at 5am to swim and 6am in the rain to cycle 20km before work. It is all to raise money for Bloodwise; a charity close to my heart.

I have known and taught Scarlett and for 6 years and at 6 years old she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).  

In January 2016, a close friend and college's 3 year old was diagnosed with ALL as well. The strength of both these children, and their parents and friends are amazing. I would be great of you could donate generously to help fight childhood leukaemia. I understand there are lots of request for sponsorship so anything you can give to help this great charity will be greatly appreciated.

ALL is the most common form of childhood cancer, affecting somewhere in the region of 500 children in the UK each year. Treatment lasts an extremely long time – two years for girls and three for boys. Whilst the prognosis is generally good, around 20% of those children initially treated will go on to relapse.

Sadly, this is what has happened to Scarlett (and Felix). Scarlett had been off treatment for just less than 6 months, when, in September 2013 she and her family found out that her cancer had returned.

Relapsed ALL is harder to treat than the initial disease, and the treatments much harsher. She has since undergone a grueling second round of treatment. From September 2013 until January 2014, Scarlett stayed at hospital, enduring relentless rounds of chemotherapy, steroids and radiotherapy. Throughout December, she barely came home at all, just managing Christmas Day at home before having to be rushed back to hospital at 9pm with a treatment related infection.

Scarlett, now 11 years old, has already been having cancer treatment for a third of her life. And she will now have to continue treatment for a further year, making a total of 5 long years of chemotherapy.

We have witnessed first-hand the devastating affect cancer has on a child and a family. We are inspired daily by Scarlett’s bravery, strength and courage.

Two year's Scarlett’s parents set up ‘Scarlett's Dragons’ and rallied a team together to do the Blenheim Triathlon. 22 guys completed the event. Last year there was over 200 people and for the first time ever at Blenheim, a whole wave (with everyone decked out in turquoise and pink) will be dedicated to one person – a very special girl called Scarlett. This year is looks like there will be two waves! 

We are aiming high with our fundraising, as this is a cause which is so close to our hearts. If we can help reach a day when no other family has to go through the pain of having their child diagnosed with leukaemia, then the pain of the training which at times is quite considerable will be well worthwhile

I will be grateful if you would sponsor me to help us raise money for this extremely worthwhile cause. Scarlett is such great inspiration, and unbelievable brave. Please give generously to help fight childhood leukaemia, because it's a battle worth fighting. I know how many requests we all get for sponsorship but ANYTHING you can spare would be so gratefully received.

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.