My close friend and colleague Alan Birikorang sadly lost his only child, daughter Daisy (aged just 13) to Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare paediatric cancer.

Daisy was diagnosed with high risk alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) on the 8th of August 2022, aged 12. She was treated across Great Ormond street Hospital (GOSH) and University College London Hospitals (UCLH) with frontline chemotherapy over 9 months plus an additional 29 daily radiotherapy sessions.

Daisy was due to start maintenance chemotherapy in March 2023, however, two new lumps were found at a routine scan. As a result, she started relapse chemotherapy in May 2023 enduring an additional 8/12 treatments. By the end of September the treatment stopped working, Daisy decided to STOP chemo treatment, she was experiencing all the side effects with no benefit. She made a decision with a maturity far beyond her years. An awakening to life that comes with experiencing deep suffering. In November 2023, Daisy tragically passed away from the rare, aggressive childhood cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma.

On 12th October 2025, we are doing the Royal Parks Half Marathon in support of Daisy’s Arc (in partnership with Alice’s Arc) to raise vital funds for research to find a cure so no child is lost to this cruel disease. To read more about Daisy’s Arc, please visit https://www.alicesarc.org/arc/daisy-birikorang/).

As many of you may know, cancer is a merciless disease that does not discriminate, affecting anyone and everyone, including innocent children. One particularly heart-wrenching type of cancer is Rhabdomyosarcoma, a disease no parent ever wants their child to face. It is a club no parent wants to be in, and the trauma it brings is indescribable.

Unfortunately, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of this disease on Alan and Chiara, the loving parents of Daisy. Their journey has been filled with unimaginable challenges, yet they continue to fight with unwavering strength and courage. This is more than just a call for action; it is a heartfelt plea to make a tangible difference in the lives of those battling this formidable disease.

Every penny counts in the fight to find a cure, and whether your donation is big or small, it all contributes to bringing hope and change to families like Alan and Chiara's. Your support is crucial and can help pave the way to a brighter future for children affected by Rhabdomyosarcoma.

For those of you who know me, you know how close to my heart this cause is and understand just how significant this cause is to me, and how deeply it resonates. Please make a donation, and together, we can work towards a brighter and healthier future for these brave children.

Thank you all for your generosity and support.

Much Love

Drew x