In August 2020 my then 10 year old daughter was diagnosed with LCH (Langerhans Cell Hystiocytosis). This is a rare disease found mainly in children and is treated with a course of chemotherapy. My daughter, Sophie, became a patient of The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Childrens oncology/haematology departments where she began her chemotherapy and steroid treatment. This treatment plus regular MRI scans involved many visits to the hospital. On 17th August 2021, Sophie received her final dose of treatment and was given the all clear, however will remain an outpatient of the department until she turns 18 and will continue to have regular MRI scans and checkups until then.

I have decided to help raise money for two of the charities which we had dealings with during Sophies treatment. They are Childrens Cancer Unit (CCU) based in the hospital and Cancer Fund for Children based in the Belfast and Dublin but own Daisy Lodge near Newcastle, Co. Down.

Childrens Cancer Unit – Their mission is to support the work of the existing unit and staff at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children in providing care for children with cancer and blood disorders. A longer term objective of the Charity is to achieve a dedicated Haematology and Oncology Unit for children at the new children’s hospital planned for Northern Ireland in the next 5-7 years. This will ensure a sharp focus on facilities and treatment for patients and for high level research into cancer and blood disorders. (Taken from their website) www.childrenscancerunit.com

Daisy Lodge – This is a retreat in the countryside where patients and their families can go to unwind away form the pressures of being a cancer patient. For example, a £50 donation will pay for a young person to attend a residential here where they will spend time with others who are going through similar situations and helps them develop coping mechanisms. www.cancerfundforchildren.com