At the end of last year my bright, beautiful niece Tilly was diagnosed with a very rare form of bone cancer; Ewing Sarcoma. Even more unusual is, of the 30 or so cases annually, it is normally only found in teenagers and Tilly was only three years old.

Just before Christmas she started a nine-month treatment plan comprising chemotherapy, radiotherapy and all of the additional drugs and protocols that accompany such an invasive therapy. She’ll also undergo an operation to remove the infected area of her femur later this year.

The impact on Tilly and her parents (Rich & Lisa) has obviously been massive, not to forget her brother Albi who is only a few years older. The oncology team at University Hospital Southampton have been amazing and the other team I want to call out is the charity ‘Abby’s Heros’.

Abby’s Heros do their work on the PIAM Brown Ward provide a huge range of support both during and after treatment, with practical measures and programmes designed to take some of the pressure of families going through an incredibly hard time. Providing everything from counselling, financial grants, a family kitchen with washing machine and dryer to a selection food and snacks to keep everyone topped up. You can read more here: https://www.abbysheroes.org/ourprojects.html...I cant decide which of ‘Pizza Fridays’ or ‘Ring the Bell: end of treatment awards’ is my favourite!!

To give something back I’m asking you, my wonderful network, to contribute as much as you can to help these guys continue to give much needed support to kids and their families going through incredibly challenging times.

Alongside your support I’ll be doing this little lot to further promote their work:

Date Event

24/03/2024 Bournemouth Bay Run (10k)

14/04/2024 New Forest Classic Ride (127k)

12/05/2024 Huntsman Triathlon

25/05/2024 Tour of Wessex Ride (125k)

30/06/2024 Original Swanage triathlon

06/07/2024 Salty Sea Dog triathlon

08/09/2024 Bournemouth International triathlon

15/09/2024 Ironman Weymouth triathlon

Photographic evidence to come…or, feel free to join me 😃