On the 12th January this year, we were given the devastating news that no parents should ever hear - that our little boy who was just 2 at the time was being diagnosed with cancer. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Four days later, whilst Oliver was an inpatient at Alderhey Children’s Hospital, I went into preterm labour with my baby girl on the children’s cancer ward at Alderhey.

Childhood cancers steal childhoods. Overnight Oliver had to go from living a normal, active life of a two year old to becoming a recluse for risk of infection, only visiting hospitals for life saving treatment with horrible side effects and painful procedures. He didn’t get to come and meet his baby sister in the hospital when she was born and he spent his third birthday having chemotherapy.

Overnight there was no more nursery, no more soft plays, no seeing friends, no play cafes - he couldn’t even go with us to the shops or anywhere he could become poorly or pick up an infection. Everything stopped.

When we were referred to The Joshua Tree and visited for the first time I could have cried. I saw children dressed up for world book day being children. Playing, laughing, making memories with their families.

The Joshua Tree provide a safe space for children with cancer (and their whole families) to BE children again. They can play knowing everything is clean, knowing no one there is knowingly poorly with something that to someone who isn’t immunocomprised could just be a cold - but to someone on chemotherapy could be life threatening. Oliver got to explore, to have fun, to make memories. When the chemotherapy knocked him off his feet and he couldn’t walk - the excitement of seeing the Joshua tree got him back on his feet (literally) once more.

They have given us the opportunity to let oliver play like a child should be able to play, to take part in what to others would be ‘normal’ activities like paint a pot, but to us are extra special. Our family support worker Claire has always been there via WhatsApp to offload too, to share a cup of tea with and to do whatever she can do to help oliver and us.

They have not only embraced Oliver, but also welcomed Poppy, and looked after her at the centre for me to allow me to have time playing with Oliver. They offer parents massages and holistic therapies to help us look after our wellbeing, so we can look after our poorly children.

I will forever be in debt to the Joshua tree for saving (and continuing to save) my sanity throughout this whole process. If we hadn’t have had the Joshua Tree to turn to and get us out of the house and away from hospitals, I don’t know what we would have done.

And that’s why me, and two of my best friends will all be walking 15 miles on the 20th September to raise vital funds for the Joshua tree, to allow them to keep doing the amazing work they are doing.

The Joshua Tree is a charity dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood cancers. Their tailored services aim to improve the emotional wellbeing of families as they navigate diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and bereavement, ensuring no one faces the journey alone.

Support is offered to the whole family, parents, siblings, and the child themselves, recognising the wide-reaching impact of childhood cancer. Services include counselling, therapeutic activities, peer support, fun family events, and educational guidance.

Their Support Centres in Cheshire and Colwyn Bay are welcoming, safe spaces where families can access compassionate, expert-led help designed to uplift and empower.

Walk Tall for The Joshua Tree is a two-day walking event symbolising unity, resilience, and community. Held on 20th and 21st September, walkers will cover 15 or 30 miles across scenic countryside and beautiful coastline, standing tall in honour of every family they support.