Last September, 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 Versus 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 Versus 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 set up Ava’s Stars and decided to raise money for Young Lives Versus Cancer through sponsored swims and runs. Along with our our Scottish friends and family, we have set up a team to complete the Great Scottish Run in October.

The group is made up of Ava’s family and friends, new and experienced runners to take on this challenge. Some will run the Great Scottish Run as a 10k and others will do half a marathon.

Ava’s Scottish Stars are:

Amy Birchard

Sarah Clark

Anna Clerkin-Lennon

Darren Douglas

Andrew and Ria Dunkley

Claire-Frances Fuller

Tom Gallagher

Elaine Henry

Martin Kelly-Lennon

Sarah Mckenna

Gemma Magee

Lindsey Unsworth

Laura and Brian Whishart

Help us by donating if you can today.

Thanks,

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