All

A few weeks back, my daughters Layla (9) and Emilia (7) received the devastating news that Natasha, their mum, was diagnosed with a very invasive, late stage cancer, which spread to her liver and spine.

Thanks to the wonderful NHS and other institutions, such as the McMillan Cancer Support and the St Elizabeth Hospice, Natasha is receiving world class medical attention, and also the much needed advice and emotional support which will allow her to fight and crush cancer. Among other things, both, the McMillan Cancer Support and the St Elizabeth Hospice provide support on how to navigate the subtleties that come with a diagnostic such as cancer: how to tell small children about the illness; what sort of changes we, as parents should expect; what sort of financial support is available, and the like.

On view of the amazing support they and their mum are receiving, Layla, Emilia and a group of friends decided to create a group called "The Fundraising Five" aiming to raise funds for all the organisations that are helping and will help their mum on her journey to health - Please keep in mind that a) that was their own idea, without input from adults; and b) they are 9 and 7 years old.

As a parent, not only I am proud of their vow to help their mum, but also of the sort of responsible, amazing, strong and resilient children we are raising, and their commitment to make a difference to society and the organisations that are supporting their mum on this difficult time.

Please note that we will donate all the money collected to The McMillan Cancer Support and The St Elizabeth Hospice.