C

I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when I was one year and three days old. I came to live with my new family a few weeks later when my long treatment journey really got underway. Regular hospital check ups for complications are still a continuing part of my life.

I spent most of the next four years in and out of hospital after my initial treatments and a relapse and eventually I received a stem cell transplant. I recovered enough just in time to start school.

My cancer and treatment resulted in me being of short stature, I am only 4ft 11” tall. I am blind in one eye and the had cataract surgery on the other eye as a teenager. I have also had lumpy bone growths on my legs which the hospital chopped off for me.

I am now at Plumpton College and feeling very well. I am about to start driving lessons. I hope I am able to reach the pedals and steering wheel and look through the windshield all at the same time. Being short has its problems.

Wishes received:

I received lots of great wishes from Children with Cancer, the main ones I remember are:

The biggest and best was a family week away at Butlins. Big swimming pool, go carts, fun fair, entertainment, meals and accommodation. Just a fabulous week.

Wet Wheels was another fabulous adventure and I even got a chance to drive the powerboat.

Lots of Christmas pantomimes and parties with wonderful food and visit from Father Christmas. Lots of teddy bears and photos to take home.

I had many adventures at Knockhatch from driving go carts to climbing to all sorts of activities that boys like to do.

Fabulous meals in the Green Man and at Arlington with other teenagers and families.

Fun night at the stock car racing at Arlington Stadium with fish and chips.

A great night of Barn Dancing for the whole family.

A wonderful eighteenth birthday present of a wireless Xbox controller and Xbox vouchers.

Most excited about:

I am most excited about finishing my Hard Landscaping Course at Plumpton College and starting work as a landscape gardener and earning some money.

The difference these wishes made:

These wishes made a huge difference to me and my whole family. They gave me many very happy memories and experiences and provide some really bright times through some very challenging times.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the good times Children with Cancer Fund have made possible over the years.

‍