Team Alex, Phoebe and Emma are taking on the Royal Parks Half for Young Lives vs Cancer!

Phoebe: Being given the diagnosis of thyroid cancer in October 2022 is a moment which Alex and I can never forget. There were so many emotions and thoughts in that moment but the one which stays with me even now was wondering “could this be the end?”. After news like this, all you want to think about is getting through each day and focussing on getting better, but there is so much additional worry; stress about missing uni, missing shifts at work, costs of travel to hospital, the impact on your loved ones, the fear of surgery and worries about being in pain. 

Alex went through every aspect of the diagnosis with me; trying to hold it all together for both of us, whilst attempting to juggle his own life and the massive fear of the unknown.

Fortunately, our story was brief and had a happy ending and after thyroid removal surgery and follow up, the nightmare is now over. However, for so many children and young people facing cancer, this is not the case and the struggles and worries surrounding the diagnosis are protracted over months or years.

A cancer diagnosis can be devastating emotionally, financially and logistically. That’s where Young Lives vs Cancer come in. They are an incredible charity providing invaluable support through the scariest time in a persons life. 

Young Lives vs Cancer provide support in many ways including: 

* A support worker to talk about any worries/ concerns and explain the journey  

* Financial aid - to help with costs of travelling to hospital, parents/ young people taking time off work, additional heating at home 

* Provide a place to stay for free near the hospital for parents or family members 

* Liaise with schools to minimise the impact the diagnosis has on a child’s education and allow smooth transition back into school after treatment

* Endless support leading up to the end of life, and sadly, bereavement support in the worst case scenario 

Donating even a tiny amount is amazing, and will help to give Young Lives the support it needs to keep making such a huge difference in the lives of children who are struggling with the burden of their illness.

That's why our team are raising money by running the Royal Parks half marathon this October. We've been training hard in between work, exams and placement to raise money and complete this 21km!

To find out more about the charity visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk

And to follow along on our training, check out our Strava accounts.

Thank you!

Love Alex, Phoebe and Emma xoxoxo