In October 2020 my son Freddie who is 3 years old, the best little mate you could ever wish for, was diagnosed has having Rhabdomyosarcoma a rare cancer which affects a very small number of children each year, Freddie has a tumor in the back of his throat. This diagnosis came following a short illness which appeared to start with a cold and sore throat, worst case, we thought we were dealing with a Quinsy (An abscess of the tonsils).

Within days of this diagnosis Freddie was on a ventilator in the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. As we were in the middle of the Covid 19 Pandemic restrictions were in place and both myself and Hazel (Freddie's Mum) were taking turns to stay with him around the clock in the ICU. Being in that environment provides an education, one I wish we didn't have to experience. Yes you ask yourself all the questions: How long has Freddie had this cancer? Did we miss something? How can someone so perfect be so poorly? Why us? The truth is Cancer doesn't discriminate it may affect many of us in our life time, it just seems so cruel especially as Freddie is so very young.

Following Freddie's scan and a number of tests he has started on chemotherapy this will last for 12 months and take place at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and then he will have a programme of radio therapy  I believe this will be at the Christie.

Wind the clock back a few months and Hazel and myself would go into the garden every Thursday evening with Freddie to clap and applaud the NHS and the great work they do, little did we know then that we would be witnessing this first hand to the level we have over recent weeks. However its more than the NHS and the dedicated health professionals , there are also a number of charities that support families that have been touched by Cancer. Their support and dedication is essential in helping so many people in so many different ways, without them we would be lost. charities such as clic sargent, RMCH charity, the Christie cancer, Steve prescot foundation and RL cares. who all help cancer sufferers and their families, they do an amazing job.

I feel as if I want to give something back, to do something that may help others during their time of need. So in October 2021 I will be running the Manchester Marathon. I will also be completing the SPF 1000 miles walk, hopefully getting some donations to help. Although the  marathon and the 1000 mile walk will be challenging and hard work, In comparison, nowhere near the challenge some of the Cancer patients face and nowhere near as hard as our NHS staff and charitable workers work to help others. Please help me to support the above charity's and let's be that difference. Thank you Chris Lowe.