When our son, Harry, was 9 months old doctors told us he had cancer and we spent a while with the amazing family's on the Leeds children's oncology ward. It was there that we saw the amazing beads of courage in action. Everytime a child had to endure a procedure or treatment they received a symbolic bead to add to their collection. This helped to create a visual journey for the children to help them see how far they have  come and what they have achieved. It's easy for chronically ill children to simply trudge through their many hospital stays, this programme helps to document and celebrate their amazing journey. When we saw some of the children's beads they were so proud and it was helpful for younger children to see just how amazing they've been. 

My son however did not stay on the cancer ward. He needed a liver transplant, so he was transferred to ward L50. The staff here were equally amazing and have made our multiple stays as easy as they can. However there isn't a beads of courage programme in acton here. Something we would like to change.

The programme was created with all chroniclly ill children in mind but here in the U.K. It is mostly only used on cancer wards. However the U.K. Charity, which is supported by "be cancer awear", are looking at expanding into different wards and supporting a wider range of sick children. 

To stare the programme on ward 50 it would cost £5000. We plan on doing lots of different things to raise this money along side asking for your generosity, once Harry's health is better. 

When you donate you will be helping to give children on dialysis, children waiting for kidney and liver transplants and those who are coping after their transplants to gain ownership and understanding of their treatment as well as a lasting gift to document their courageous journey.