On 4th January 2025, just three days before Clarke’s first birthday, our world changed forever. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) — something no parent ever imagines hearing.

On his birthday, instead of celebrating, we were holding his hand in intensive care after he suffered a seizure. Since then, Clarke has spent almost every day and night in hospital. Four long, gruelling months filled with chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions, painful side effects, infections, isolation rooms, and more treatment still to come.

He’s faced everything with a strength that’s hard to put into words. We are so incredibly proud of him.

Through all of this, Candlelighters have been by our side. They’ve provided us with accommodation close to the hospital so we could stay near Clarke. They’ve supported our wellbeing with therapy and emotional support when things felt overwhelming. They’ve brought joy to the ward with activities that help children still be children, even in the darkest times.

We’ve set up Team Clarkey Boy to raise money for Candlelighters — to give back to the people who have held us up when we could barely stand.

Please help us support this incredible charity. Every donation helps them continue to care for families like ours, going through the unthinkable.

Thank you for standing with Clarke, and with us.

With love,

Kegan, Eamonn, Reeva and of course our special Clarkey Boy!