On the 29th May 2019 we received the devastating news that our son, Rueben, had a malignant brain tumour. We have since been on the biggest roller coaster of our lives - and we're still riding that same rollercoaster. 

It was all action stations after receiving the news, and Rueben quickly underwent surgery at Leeds Children's Hospital to remove the tumour. It was largely a success. We then had to endure a lengthy 4 week wait for a biopsy to come back from Great Ormond Street Hospital which would establish the intended treatment he was to receive. I can safely say this was the worst wait we've ever had to endure. 

Our lives were once again turned upside down when 2 weeks after we received the results then we found out that Rueben’s tumour had grown back. So, once again, Rue had another 10 hour surgery to remove the tumour. Once again the removal was largely a success. Only minutes after him reappearing from surgery and hearing this good news, Rueben then took a turn for the worse and ended up in intensive care. In a heart beat we thought we could have lost him, but this boy keeps bouncing back with a defiance that's admirable, and within a few days he was back on his feet.

He is now primed to undergo the next stage - radiotherapy, this will take place within the next few weeks.

'Life is like a bicycle, stay balanced and you will keep moving forward.'

Rueben set out after his first surgery to help other children, raising a small amount of money for Ward 52 at Leeds Children's Hospital (LGI). Now, as a family, we are dedicated to helping Candlelighters which is one of Leeds Children's Hospital's close cancer charities. These guys have helped us beyond believe, with grants, trips for the kids, plenty of hugs, cups of tea, a shoulder to cry on, talking therapy sessions for the family, amongst loads of other things. They offer so many things to keep us going, day in, day out.

We are so thankful for all you kind words, messages offering support with the other kids and now we would like to ask as many mums as possible to join us in a midnight walk. The walk will start in Holmfirth and end in Marsden a place very special to Rueben where his mum once lived. The walk is just under 7 miles.

'Motherhood is being a team, and linking our arms when it's most needed.' - Stephanie North

The Warrior Mums Midnight Walk will take place on Saturday the 28th of September, at Midnight, outside Holmfirth Holy Trinity Church. The aim is for us to raise as much money for Candlelighters as possible. If you can make it then, honestly, we will be over the moon. We already have 70 mums taking part in this event that started with the love and support of all the mum's at Rueben's school - Holmfirth J, I & N.

Please share this effort with as many people as possible, including teachers and any mums you know as I truly believe all mums in times like these should link arms with one another. We have no idea what’s around the corner but for sure we will keep making memories for this boy, our warrior! We may be fighting an army, but we have the strongest soldier we know :) xxx