Our 8 year old daughter Kathryn was recently diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma and following a short stint at Hereford A&E we have all been at the Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff.

LATCH have been absolutely amazing, supporting us with everything from toothbrush and toothpaste for that first terrifying night when we had the initial diagnosis, providing us with a free room above Kathryn’s ward so we can be near her, to emotional and practical support such as grants available and even giving Kathryn her very own iPad!! All this is provided purely by donations to this amazing charity. We have a long road ahead of us but we want to give back as much as we can so that LATCH can continue to support families like us!

Ed has decided to run the Newport Half Marathon, with absolutely no prodding by me ;) and despite having to fit in his training around Kathryn’s treatment and lack of sleep, as we remain here in hospital for potentially the next 6 months whilst Kathryn is undergoing intensive chemotherapy as an in-patient! Anything you can give would be hugely appreciated, by not only us but all the other families to whom LATCH have provided a lifeline.

LATCH was established forty years ago in 1983 by a group of families and friends who recognised that children diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia and their families not only needed medical support but also practical, emotional and financial support to ease the burden they face.

The charity supports hundreds of children, young people and their families across Wales every year who are being treated at the Paediatric Oncology Unit at the Children’s Hospital for Wales.