On the 01-03-26 I will be attempting to complete the Nantwich 10 K in an effort to raise money for the joshua tree children’s charity

In July 2022, at 3 years old, my daughter Alice was rushed to hospital after collapsing at nursery , upon investigation a large cancerous brain tumour was discovered. And our whole world fell apart. Alice was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Ependymoma which affects the brain and spine and is defined by recurring tumours for which we have no cure. Alice has suffered Brain injuries during her surgeries and treatment due to the location of the tumours and resulting radiation to the Brain stem, and has developed speech, strength and mobility challenges as a result.

When we were discharged from alder hey, i felt a lot of our support had disappeared, Alice was still receiving chemotherapy and due to infection control amd a lack of understanding to how serious Alices condition was, we were isolated.

At this point I made contact with the Joshua Tree, a local children’s cancer charity which I had raised funds for in the past. We were invited to bring Alice to come and see the centre and see what support they can offer.

This was the first day I was able to sit down and eat a meal at a table in 6 months, the first time that I felt Alice was safe enough, for me to not be by her side. The first time I had really met other families going through a similar life defining journey, and the first time a realised I wasn’t on my own.

Since first attending the Joshua Tree, Alice has found a safe haven to be able to be a 7 year old and embrace her time with her friends and family through tailored experiences and support focused groups with other children on a similar journey, I personally have received much needed therapy to allow me to be present and deal with our ever changing situation, and to ensure our time with Alice is meaningful, memorable and supported.

Being able to raise money and give back to a charity, that has been instrumental in the development and the ongoing success of myself and Alice through our most challenging time, is an honour that words cant describe, the ongoing support and potential to help hundreds more families as a direct result of donations from events like this, makes the potential suffering worth every second.

Please give what you can!! It will make a an amazing difference to someone like Alice, and don’t forget to click gift aid !!