So after a few glasses of wine I managed to persuade a group of friends to run the London landmarks half marathon with me as a way of thanks for all the support I received when Jack was unwell.

Below is Becky’s story:

On Tuesday 12th December 2023 our gorgeous little boy had a routine ultrasound at GOSH as part of his 3 monthly kidney surveillance. Our world came crashing down when I was pulled into a room to meet his oncologist and other medical staff to be told he had Bilateral Wilms Tumour (Kidney Cancer) and he would be admitted immediately onto the children’s cancer ward to start weekly chemotherapy.

After 10 rounds of chemotherapy, a very poorly baby and a family running on empty, Jack was able to have his life saving surgery and have his right kidney removed and 30% of his left kidney removed too. Following a 3 week hospital stay we received the amazing news that the operation was a success and he was Cancer Free!!!!

Throughout the whole process (nightmare) Young lives vs Cancer supported us every step of the way. From helping us with paper work, transport, a friendly voice at the end of the phone but most of all our accommodation.

Young lives vs cancer operate several “home away from homes” for families of young children who are facing battles with cancer. We stayed in “Pauls house” which is a short walk from GOSH. A place where we could come and go at any time, wash our clothes, cook, have a sleep during the day when it got too much in the hospital and be surrounded by parents just like us. A place like this is invaluable to families like ours and without the support of fund raisers it wouldn’t be possible.

“For every £60 you raise, you could be ensuring that a family have a bed to sleep in close to where their child is receiving cancer treatment. Our Homes from Home are a slipper walk away from the hospitals and are a life line for families, helping them stay together during their child’s treatment.”

So as you are all aware, I’m NOT a runner! This is going to be a huge challenge for me and I feel so lucky to have my sister Lucy, Maisy, Anthea and Paul running along side me for the same charity! Every time I want to give up I will think of my strong little boy and what he had to go through!

So please dig deep as without people like you charities like this would not exist and they have really been incredible to not only our family but thousands of others.

Becky x

When a child is diagnosed with cancer life becomes full of fear, for them and their family. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. But every day 12 more children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer. We’ll face it all together – but we can’t do it without you.

To find out more visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk