As a parent, your worst nightmare is something bad happening to your children..

Now, Imagine those children grow up, can now look after themselves (within reason) and have their own children. A new worst nightmare is born.

As a Grandparent, you strive to spoil, tease and occasionally educate (of a fashion) the youngest generation. You endeavour to create fun, exciting and usually sugar fuelled/somewhat chaotic memories. But above all else, you provide a safe place when necessary.. A "break from the norm" (for both parents and for children).

Last year, both my Sister's Grandson and my Brother's Grandson had a terrible turn in health..

In June 2017 Luke at only 9 years old was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukaemia) then in August 2017 Paul Jnr (PJ) at only 14 years old was diagnosed with Anaplastic Astroycoma (Brain Tumour) Grade 3.

As you can imagine, events like these agonise families and create stress unimaginable. Yet, both boys have been an inspiration to friends, family and peers alike. They have been to places most of us can't even start to imagine. With powerful medications and invasive treatments, the strength they have possessed to push on and battle these illnesses is something most adults would struggle to muster.

Luke is thankfully now in remission after a successful Bone Marrow Transplant and with regular check-ups and medical support, hopefully he can start to move away from this period of his childhood and concentrate on misspending his youth..

PJ is currently starting a new course of Chemotherapy, with a return to hospital booked in August for a scan, fingers crossed a marked improvement is seen in the mass on the brain and his isn't too far behind his cousin in his battle with this illness..

I would love nothing more than to give my Great-Nephews the opportunity to have a "break from the norm".. A little rest-bite from the recent events in their lives.. A chance to enjoy themselves and simply be themselves away from the day-to-day "norm"..

With the help of the "Just Giving" platform I would like to give these two young cousins and their parents the break they so desperately need and deserve.

Thank you for your help, Great-Uncle Dave