2024 marks 10 years since Layla died. It was 4 days before she was due to start primary school.

When Layla was in hospital, 3 of her fantastic nurses did the Great Wall Discovery trek, and they even dedicated a section of their challenge to Layla. They inspired me and since then I have always wanted to do it whilst giving back to a great charity that helps so many families going through what we went through. I also wanted to mark 10 years with something special to remember our beautiful brave Layla. Sarah, Emma and I will start our challenge on 20th September 2025 and will be trekking for around 4-7 hours per day, covering approximately 50kms over 5 days.

For those who never met Layla, she was one of a kind and did everything in her own way! She was a whirlwind from the day she was born. She was stubborn, set in her ways and totally adorable. Her big beautiful smile was infectious and she had the most amazing red hair. Layla inspired all that met her in the short time she was with us. She was also well known for her beautifully lined up collection of shiny shoes and slippers in the hospital, and her individual fashion style! Our world was turned upside down when Layla's was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukaemia a couple of months after her 2nd birthday. She was so brave and fought it for 2 years before relapsing.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer life becomes full of fear, for them and their family. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

Young Lives vs Cancer help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. But every day 12 more children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer.

To find out more visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk