In September 2023, at 5 years old, our eldest daughter Ava was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) and there, in A and E in the middle of the night, one word changed our lives in an instant. Cancer.

In the hours, days, weeks and now months since, we’ve experienced the very best of humanity. Words cannot describe how grateful we are to our family and friends, the amazing NHS teams at the Royal Marsden Hospital, St George’s Hospital and King’s College Hospital, and the community nurses from the Evelina. Ava has undergone months of intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, blood transfusions and lumbar punctures. Thankfully, Ava’s cancer is now in remission, but her treatment will continue until October 2025.

Young Lives Vs Cancer has been there for us from the very start of Ava’s treatment. They’ve provided emotional support, practical advice and resources. From regular phone calls to check in on our wellbeing, to financial advice when one of us had to stop working, and information packs for Ava’s teachers when she returned to school, Young Lives Vs Cancer has helped us and thousands of other families navigate the cruel and challenging world of cancer.

Inspired by Ava’s determination and resilience, and her love of all things space related, we’ve set up a running team called Ava’s Stars to take part in the London 10k in July to raise money for Young Lives Vs Cancer.

The group is made up of Ava’s family and friends, new and experienced runners to take on this challenge.

The Ava’s Stars are:

Criona Bradshaw

Gemma Dean

Gary Duncan

Claire-Frances Fuller

Alexandra Hernandez

Gen Helme

Alex Hollands

Juliet Watt

Stephen Watt

Rachel Watt

Help us by donating if you can today.

Thanks,

Claire-Frances and Mark Fuller (Ava’s Mummy and Daddy)