Max Pelly, our grandson,  was born 12th Sep 2019 , 8lb 1oz bundle of EastEnd joy. 21st Dec 2019 Max was diagnosed with a hugely rare cancer JMML. How rare? Well 0 cases in 2018 and only 6 in 2019.

Since then he's spent most of his life between Royal London and GOSH going through a cycle of chemo "lite". Throughout little Max has smiled and giggled, flirted a little (and grown), whilst having various procedures performed. As I write this, today 26th Feb 2020, he starts his full chemo conditioning before a Bone Marrow Transplant from his sister, Layla, week commencing 2nd March. 

It's going to be a long haul but our family have all been blown away by how brilliant, caring and professional all the GOSH team have been, each child made to feel very special.  Our cycle ride is some small way of giving a little back to GOSH, a world class institution which we all should be proud of:  https://www.gosh.nhs.uk

During the crazy days of Brexit (sorry!) we forget what we should wish for from working together. I mention this to make us all feel a little closer. Max's progress will not only be dependent on the brilliant people at GOSH but also collaboration with dedicated professionals around the world and in particular Germany that excel in this rare disease. Bone marrow registers exist and are shared throughout the world, free from many false barriers - thank you the medical profession! Forget about the politics, this is what living in  a connected world is all about - great collaboration, sharing knowledge enjoying the similarities and friendships  but also some of the differences. To register to be a bone marrow donor : https://www.bbmr.co.uk (there are approx 2m registered in the UK and 9m in Germany, who proportionately lead the world)

By the time we go for our 100 mile cycle ride our Max will be on his way to recovery and we will make sure that we provide everyone updates on his journey.

So thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

* thank you so much to everyone at  GOSH, you are the best

* thank you to all our European friends whose collaboration we greatly value

* thank you to the many friends and family who have been a great support to Alex, Laura, Layla and our Max

* thank you to the black cab drivers who waived their fare and asked us to contribute to GOSH instead

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time