The Joshua Tree is a Cheshire-based children’s cancer charity operating across the North West and North Wales. They are dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood cancers, tailoring their services to meet each family’s individual needs through emotional, academic and practical support.

When Holly was diagnosed with Leukaemia at just three years old, our world came crashing down. She underwent daily chemotherapy treatment, and it has been one of the hardest things we have ever had to witness. From losing her hair, to countless lumbar punctures and operations, to hearing her cry through tears for help when there was nothing we could do — could you imagine? For two years and one month, this was our reality. At times, I feel like I’ve completed my own version of SAS training just to survive it.

And it wasn’t only Holly and me who endured this. Her big brother and sister did too. Sadly, they received no support from their school. In fact, their mental health was made worse when they were bullied for having a poorly sister. When you go through something like this, you gain a powerful insight into what is missing in the world — empathy.

Then we found The Joshua Tree.

A place filled with the most wonderful, light-hearted, compassionate people, overflowing with empathy. That is when our journey finally began to make sense, and the weight we were carrying started to ease.

Holly was in a safe, clean, caring environment. The “mum guilt” began to lift slightly. She had access to her childhood again and was surrounded by children who truly understood her. They would show each other their scars, and that instant connection was like a lightbulb moment — unspoken understanding, shared strength.

My older two children were also supported. They finally had a safe space to offload their emotions without judgment. I received talking therapy, and my children had therapeutic play support. We attended family fun days where we met others on the same or similar journeys, and for the first time, we didn’t feel like the only family going through this.

Every single morning my children would wake up and ask, “Are we going to The Joshua Tree today?”

The impact this charity has on a family is deeply felt, and we will be forever grateful.

When Holly finally rang the bell to mark the end of her treatment, I asked her how she would like to celebrate. She said, “Please can I go to Elsa’s castle?” Knowing that Disneyland Paris was still building that dream, I had to think outside the box.

We booked the wonderful Peckforton Castle, where Holly and her siblings arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, with Elsa herself accompanying them up to the castle. She was greeted by her wonderful school friends and the special friends she had made at The Joshua Tree.

It was truly magical.

So many incredible people supported us by offering their services at discounted prices, and some even completely free of charge. We were overwhelmed by such kindness and generosity.

We also saw it as an opportunity to give back. We held a raffle to raise funds for The Joshua Tree, with many North West businesses donating prizes — from afternoon tea for two at Peckforton Castle to Easter egg hampers and more.

Our fundraising continues, and we would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting The Joshua Tree, so they can continue helping families like ours.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story.