Since Rory was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in early May he has spent a huge amount of time in the cancer ward at the BRI, starting with a 27 night stay and followed by regular 5 night stays for chemo sessions. The team there are fantastic and the care they offer is outstanding, but the ward is understandably stuffy and has no access to any fresh air or outside space, particularly as all windows have to remain locked to safeguard the many vulnerable young patients they have in their care. For Rory this was one of the worst aspects; no fresh air and just a grey view of buildings and rooftops even on the brightest of summer days.

There is, however, a balcony space, currently just gravel and pigeon-netting, that could be transformed into a safe, bright and airy space that could be accessed from the rooms down one side of the building. The ward sister has given her premission and backing to transform that space into something brighter and more inspirational with windows that could let in fresh air. For us it would have made a huge difference to the long and difficult days we spent in the unit.

We're fund-raising in conjunction with Teenage Cancer Trust, a brilliant organisation who provide vital support to patients, and Rory can't speak highly enough of them. We'll work with them to implement the changes to the ward and any surplus, should there be any, will be donated to them for them to continue their great work.

I know that we all get regular fundraising requests but I hope you will consider this cause a worthy one; it will provide something really specific that will definitely make an important difference to children during their stays in hospital and also provide a legacy for Rory's tribulations and time on the ward.