September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. What many might not know is that Yorkshire Children’s Trust is a very small charity created by two sets of parents who both had daughters suffering from childhood cancer.
Leigh-Anne was diagnosed with a childhood cancer called Leukaemia when she was only five years old. She had already spent the early years of her life being very poorly, suffering infection after infection and then at Christmas time she become very unwell. Her body became covered in sores, her stomach distended and her eyes took on a yellow hue like she was suffering from jaundice. She was immediately rushed to hospital and a few days later received the diagnosis any parent dreads, that of cancer, in this case a blood cancer called Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. You can read more in Leigh-Anne’s story by visiting the Personal Story page on our website.
When Leigh-Anne came out of hospital nearly a full year later, she had lost a lot of muscle mass in her legs, partly by being bed-bound and partly due to the harsh, painful treatment she received. Due to local authority waiting lists, there was no wheelchair for her use and the family had to purchase their own. Following on from a survey at the hospital, it was found to be a common theme and Yorkshire Children’s Trust was created to ease the burden families feel when their child is unwell.
Not only has the pandemic had a dramatic effect on fundraising, as people have less disposable income with losing employment or being on furlough, the charity has seen a lower level of supporters over the last 18 months.
You can help make a real difference!
As September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month it is an ideal time to help support Yorkshire Children’s Trust. We are a truly local charity and every penny you donate will help support local children and local families in the region.
You can make a one-off or regular card donation by clicking here or if you prefer you can set up a regular direct debit donation by clicking here. Remember, every penny of your donation will be used to support local families. Your help and support means a great deal.