On the 13th June 2024 our then 4 year old daughter, Maisy was diagnosed with cancer, specifically anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

As a family there are not many things that will feel worse than hearing that diagnosis and the thoughts that go through your head.

Fast forward 9 months and Maisy has finished chemotherapy and has stared school. Whilst there's a long way to go, the current signs are positive and we are so so grateful she is still full of life, love and laughter.

A significant part of that is down to the great people and the Bristol children's hospital, supported heavily by the Grand Appeal. There are not enough words to describe what the nurses, consultants, Dr's, play specialists, physics, therapists have done not just for Maisy, but for us as a family. They supported each one of us through the worst time.

Some examples of the support The Grand Appeal provide:

Dyson fans for when the children are getting night sweats as they undergo their chemotherapy. This helped Maisy incredibly.

Maisy enjoyed going in because of the playroom and the play specialists who provided music lessons, painting, and they even sat with her during treatment, giving me and Sam a small break!

During her dressing changes on her arm, they gave her gifts and played with her to try and deflect her from the pain she was in. They were incredible.

This is only some of the things and part of what we experienced.

They constantly put a smile on Maisy's face, fed her grapes in the middle of the night (she's a madam!), taught her, helped mobilize her arm and sing songs! The family were supported throughout by consultants, Dr's and Theo was always high fived and played with whoever he visited.

The team are truly incredible. In our time of need these people were there for us.

This is why me, some family and few mates are running the Bristol half to raise money for the grand appeal to allow people who are in the position we were, an opportunity to have a smile and get support in their darkest hour.

My great friend at CrossFit Trowbridge has also arranged, on 29th March, for the gym to host a team marathon row and 1,000 burpees. This will be in teams of 2,3 or 4 and all proceeds will also go to the Grand Appeal!

If you are able to donate then thank you in advance, a simple share is also enough.

All our love and thanks, Dan, Family and mates who are taking this on with me.