On 29th December 2024, our close friend Laura and her husband Danny lost their beautiful daughter Nuala after she underwent two stem cell transplants as a preventative cure for acute myeloid leukaemia, which was likely to develop due to a familial history of the cancer. This profound loss has left a gaping hole once filled with the joy and laughter of a funny, magical, kind little girl who brought so much light to their world. Her sister Florence, 4 at the time of Nuala’s death, has felt the loss in so many ways.

Nuala contracted HSV (the common coldsore virus) in May 2024 after her first stem cell transplant and over time this, along with other complications, led to multi-organ failure after ten months isolated from most of her loved ones at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

There are no words to convey the loss of someone so young and the heartbreak that is has caused this family.

We have decided to run the Manchester Half Marathon this October to raise vital funds for the amazing Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury, where Nuala had her final rest. This incredible hospice have provided meals, care, a listening ear and will continue to support the family through vital bereavement counselling. So many families of children with complex needs benefit from the facilities and care of Francis House but for Nuala’s family, it was a place where their daughter could be tucked into a bed in a special cold room with Disney princess bedding, her toys and Tonie box allowing her family precious time with her before their final farewell.

Whilst the loss of a child is unthinkable, there are people enduring this loss frequently and Francis House provides the much needed support.

This is my first half marathon in NINE years! Doireann and Laura (Nuala’s mum) will be running in memory of beautiful, incredible Nuala and we would love to have as much support as possible to keep up going!

Please donate as much or as little as you can to support this phenomenal and necessary charity to offer other parents the support they need.