Hello all!

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving fundraising page.

On 21st April 2024, I will be attempting to run the London Marathon with an aim to raise over GBP 3,000 worth of funds for Young lives vs Cancer. A charity on a mission to tackle a cause that is very close to my heart.

To start things off, here is a little introduction of myself. My name is Ashley and I am, a cancer survivor. 

In 2011, a few days after my 18th birthday, I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 4B. The doctor said my chances of beating it was 30%. As a teenager at the time, I never imagined this would be my reality. Let's not forget the toll it took on my family from urgently having to act on booking consultations, accessing treatment facilities, supporting a vulnerable and emotionally defeated child to managing their own emotions and finding the strength to stay positive whilst managing their own daily affairs. 

While I can proudly say I won my battle against cancer, it was not the end of a mental war that persisted for years from the deep-rooted issues that arose from fighting this terrible all-consuming disease.

So I am making it my mission to support the young children, adults and their family who are going through this. This is sadly one of those life curveballs not many can forsee and plan for in advance. The cost of treatments and the emotional turbulence alone is enough to traumatise and break a family. While my family were not in a disadvantaged position financially, we all went through a whirlwind of emotions but were also lucky enough to receive emotional support and prayers from our loved ones. I cannot imagine what it does to those who cannot even afford a fraction of the costs and find the emotional support they need to get through this.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, they endeavour to help children and young adults between 0 - 25 years and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.

Every case is different, so they work hard to make sure each family has what they need to get through cancer. It could be a financial grant for a parent struggling to keep their child warm through their treatment or for a young person who cannot afford to get to hospital. Or helping a family stay together at one of their free homes close to the hospital to helping them get their lives back on track, both during and after treatment.

For more details on Young lives vs Cancer you can visit:

https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/

Thank you for taking the time to read my post and I do hope you feel touched by this cause. Any amount donated is a donation towards helping a distressed family in need. Once you donate, your money will directly go to the charity. 

Lots of love,

Ashley x