Hello!

Can you imagine starting to lose your eyesight, or not being able to remember what day it is? That's the start of my story.

In November, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. I stayed in Kings College hospital for two weeks, where I had an operation to remove some of the tumour, which we named Terry.

Soon after I came home, I began 70 weeks of chemotherapy which should end in Spring 2026. So far, I've had some side effects: my hair is thinning, I get aches and pains and feel dizzy. But my eyesight has improved dramatically and I can now read the board again at school! My memory has got better and I can remember the topics we've been learning – and also what day it is!

Most weeks I receive my chemo at Pembury Hospital, where all the staff are so lovely and caring. I was also introduced to Beads of Courage: I now get glass beads for everything that happens, from MRI scans to injections. I love building up my ever-increasing string, and it gives me something to look forward to each week. I found out that these beads are paid for by the charity Children with Cancer UK.

In June, my mum and dad are cycling from London to Brighton to raise money for this charity. Cycling isn't my thing, but I'm very good at crochet! So I've decided to crochet 70 bunting triangles, one for each week of my chemo.

So now I have TWO favours to ask you!

1) Sponsor me! Maybe you're wondering whether you should pick me, mum or dad to sponsor. The answer to that is obvious: me.

2) Help me! I want everyone in the country to know how to help Children with Cancer. I've launched my 1,000 Poster Challenge: put up a poster wherever you work, or go to church, school or even at the doctor's! In five minutes you could raise £100's. Get your poster and add a pin to my map at my website www.crochetforcancer.co.uk

(But don't forget to donate first!)

Thank you for supporting me and all the children who are going through treatment.

Love from Kirsty xx