Meet Albie

Albie is my amazing little nephew, he is 21-months-old and fighting a horrible disease.

He is truly a special child, and I know I may be biased but if you met him you'd simply fall in love with him within seconds - he will brighten up your day without realising just how special he is. I think he is what has kept our family going during the pandemic, he has such an infectious smile and personality that time with him is all you need to forget about any worries and stresses in your life and you can't help but love him.

Despite his immeasurable ability to put a smile on anyone's face, he now faces this biggest fight you could imagine. Albie has recently been diagnosed with a very rare, aggressive Extra Renal Rhabdoid Tumour which is a nasty paediatric cancer.

He started chemotherapy this week, and still has a cheeky smile on his face. That grin puts a smile on my face, but makes me sad at the same time.

Albie has two big sisters, Lilly and Poppy, who are the best big sisters he could ask for. His parents Chris (my brother) and Leanne are spending all their time with Albie whether that be Bristol Royal Childrens Hospital or other specialist hospitals as required. Leanne is not currently working due to being pregnant and also there being no work due to the pandemic. Chris is a self-employed general builder and does not earn money if he is not working.

Fundraising

As well as being an incredibly difficult time for the family, not working adds more stress to the situation having to worry about money, etc. I have created this fundraiser to raise some money to help support them with whatever they need, whether that is bills, days out for Albie, anything they need really. The last thing I want is them worrying about money on top of everything else.

I plan to do my bit as well, although I'm not planning to cut all my hair off or do something drastic (I'm really not that brave), I am going to use the opportunity to try and find some motivation to get back on the bike and do some exercise - I've really struggled over the past few months and found that keeping busy has distracted me and I know that by getting back to exercising I will feel better, so my plan is to commit to cycle at least 500 miles (on my road bike or Peloton) between now and 31st December 2021 and if this helps raise a bit more money to support them, then it will be worth the pain!

Anything that anyone can contribute to help will be massively appreciated.