It must’ve been 10 plus years since I’ve ran anything over 5km and my determination to do this has stemmed from my courageous, beautiful and forever smiling daughter. The money I raise by doing this run will go to the Royal Stoke Children’s Oncology Unit for additional play equipment to make each and every child’s journey throughout their treatment as easy as possible.

Our journey began on the 24th June 2020 when our life was turned upside down. It started with Harper having an eye test after becoming clumsy recently and stating once that she had “fuzzy eyes”. Specsavers referred Harper straight to the eye clinic at Stoke and she was to be kept in to have a CT and MRI. Thought little of it at the time and that she may need glasses as she was struggling with her sight. Then our world fell apart momentarily.

After her CT scan they found what was described as a “tumour” on the brain which was preventing the flow of fluid to Harper’s eye. She was rushed to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to have surgery to minimise pressure on the brain. At that point the emotion flooded in and I was truly lost for words. They believe the tumour has been there for a long time and it’s slower growth over a period of years has effected her vision.

Since that point we have had various appointments including three monthly MRI scans. Over the first 9 months there was little growth and Harper went in as normal. Her scan in June 2021 showed slight growth but nothing to be overly concerned about. We all ventured to hospital on the 21st September hopeful for the same but after her MRI our normal life over the last 12 months was again turned upside down. We were advised Harper would need 18 months of chemotherapy in order to stem the growth of her tumour.

Chemotherapy is a scary word for anyone and the thought of having to put your seven year old girl through this was soul destroying, never mind the impact it will have on her life over the next year and a half.

This little girl has been the most amazing and brave little girl I have ever witnessed. She’s had everyone worried sick but out of all of us has been the one who has been the bravest and words can’t describe how proud I am of my beautiful little girl.

On the 20th October we began our treatment journey and I have been astounded by the quality of care at the Oncology unit at Royal Stoke. Harper has developed a fear of needles which for her chemotherapy is required on each appointment. The team here have been sensational and made Harpers first treatment go as best possible through their dedication, empathy and passion for each and every patient and their families.

I can’t begin to thank Specsavers the NHS and the most amazing people at both Royal Stoke University Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s hospital for their quick reaction and incredible empathy throughout this.

If anyone’s children ever say they’ve got fuzzy eyes or they make you aware they’ve got fuzzy eyes or their eyes are hurting then the only thing I can say is to get an eye test ASAP