When my eldest daughter, Sophia, was diagnosed with AML (acute myeloid leukaemia) aged 17, on September 29th last year, our worlds were turned upside down. As parents, we were scared, felt so incredibly lost and experienced the most heartbreaking sense of helplessness. Nothing can prepare you for that shock, but the TCT ward in Southampton on which Sophia found herself (a dedicated space with just 6 rooms and a specialist oncology team) reassured us that she was in the best possible care. The teams and wards that the Teenage Cancer Trust provide, up and down the country, are funded purely from donations. They provide the most nurturing and well-resourced spaces for young people aged 17-24 and their families, at a time when they are experiencing something completely life-changing. 

Some days it still feels surreal. For weeks I struggled to even say the word ‘Leukaemia’ without it getting caught in my throat. You don’t think you’ll ever need anything like this. Ever. But we did. And still do. And we are immensely grateful that TCT have been there for us at every step. 

The Three Peaks will be phenomenally hard. I am under no illusion! But it is nothing compared to what Sophia has had to endure. I wanted to take on this challenge to give back; to say thank you; to ensure that the support and care that Sophia received, that we, as a family, have received, is there for others at a time when their lives have gone into free-fall.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to visit this page, and honestly, anything you can give will make a huge difference.

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