As many of you will know I had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia when I was 3 years old and was on treatment between 2000 and 2003. During this period as you can imagine it was extremely hard for our family. CCLASP are an amazing charity that support families with children and teenagers who have Cancer or Leukaemia. 

CCLASP founded by Valerie and Bill, who’s son had leaukemia when he was child - provide specialist and tailored support to families across Scotland, as they understand from personal experience that finding out that your child has a long term or incurable illness is distressing, frightening, and confusing and children are often robbed of their ‘normal’ childhoods whilst undertaking invasive treatment. 

They try day in day out to raise a smile when times are difficult and arrange support that is crucial, whether that be bespoke transport to hospital or just someone to talk to. 

Our aim is to raise as much as we can to help support CCLASP with the events that create special moments and memories for the children and their families. For many children on treatment they can’t be around other children due to high risk of infection, and miss out on so much. CCLASP organise a huge range of events from cinema trips, picnics and Christmas parties.

I always remember during my treatment the Christmas party being magical and my chance to dance, play games and even meet Santa just like all my friends at school! 

Every year when I was a child myself and my parents took part in the ‘Stacey Stroll’ in memory of Stacey Jobbins . This involved crossing the Forth Road Bridge and back in any way you could- running, walking, roller blading you name it! Stacey was 10 when she was diagnosed with Leukaemia and determined to raise money for CCLASP so walked the Forth Road Bridge in her pyjamas! After Stacey sadly lost her battle at the age 13, they re-named the annual event in her memory. 

This was one of the many events we took part in for CCLASP, and continue to support in different ways including Christmas selection box appeal and their recent move to amazing specialist facilities across from the new Sick Children’s Hospital - in 2020 myself and my dad are going to walk from our house (Haddington) to the Forth Road Bridge to raise as much money as we possibly can. In total 30 miles! 

Every penny raised makes such a difference and we really appreciate your support!