I’ve decided to step in the ring and take on an Ultra White Collar Boxing match to raise some money for a great cause , after struggling seeing my own Dad go through cancer at an age of 70 I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and heartache of having a child going through that ……

My friends Calum & partner Emily went through a significantly traumatic time when their Son Ralphie was just 6 months old and here’s their story ……

Ralphie first presented to hospital on 1st June 2023 where imaging showed that he had bi-lateral subdural haematomas, which was operated on in surgery. He was subsequently diagnosed with JMML, (juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia), and started on treatment. Ralphie went on to have multiple infections in his central line, low levels of protein and oedema, to name but a few of the problems he battled through. Ralphie also had an anaphylactic shock on two separate occasions due to allergic reactions to antibiotics. On top of this he also contracted covid twice. Ralphie went to Bristol Children’s Hospital early September to be conditioned in isolation for a bone marrow transplant which took place on 13th September 2023. During this time he suffered seizures, infections, mucositis (inflammation of the tissues in the mouth and digestive tract), jaundice from a build up of bilirubin in the liver, and severe veno-occlusive disease. Sadly, Ralphie’s body rejected the primary graft of transplanted bone marrow. Ralphie was very seriously unwell, and the amount of stress and trauma that the family had to live through, whilst in hospital isolation, is unimaginable. Amazingly, Ralphie underwent a second bone marrow transplant on 7th November 2023 and this time it has engrafted. All these complications meant that Ralphie and his parents were in virtual isolation in Bristol Children’s Hospital for many months, much of the time being unsure as to whether he would even pull through.

Ralphie is an amazing young man who has fought his way through all of this and is making good progress. However, he continues to be regularly monitored in Gloucester Royal and in Bristol Children’s Hospital.

With what was an incredibly tough journey YLVC was a massive support for Calum & Emily. Providing accommodation so they could be close to their son whilst being treated in hospital.

So if you can spare anything please sponsor me , the fight Im taking on is nothing in comparison to the fight against cancer so if we can raise some money and help out this great charity in anyway it would be an amazing win … even if I don’t get the W

To find out more visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk