Last year, my niece, Sophie, was diagnosed with Leukaemia – cancer of the blood. She spent a lot of time in Nottingham Children’s Hospital where she began chemotherapy. Between diagnosis and today, Sophie has had countless blood transfusions, lumbar punctures and blood tests, not forgetting dealing with the adverse effects of steroids and other strong drugs. She has dealt with everything in her stride and makes me so proud to be one of her aunties. It’s amazing how strong a 5 year-old can be!

Sophie now gets treatment in Northampton, our home town, and her visits are always welcomed by the most amicable, professional staff. That is why we are raising money for the oncology section on the Disney Ward at Northampton General Hospital. She has had the utmost care and the team have made every visit as comfortable as possible, for both Sophie and her parents.

With the money raised, we shall be buying a variety of toys, audio equipment, books and games for the children on the ward.

In addition, my sisters and I shall be getting the chop and donating our hair (over 1 metre altogether!) to the Little Princess Trust, so that a wig can be made for a child who suffers from hair loss, as a result of cancer treatment and other illnesses. Sophie had a wig donated to her, which she absolutely loves, and it will be great to help give another child that same confidence by just a simple haircut.

Thank you for taking the time to visit this page, reading Sophie's story and for your donation.

Jess