James Thomas

I'm taking part in the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust Challenge!

Starting on 15 August, my good friends Ryu and Mayu and I will be taking on the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust Challenge.

Over 31 days, we'll be covering 244 miles! This represents the distance of a round trip journey between the UK's two specialist centres for retinoblastoma - a rare form of eye cancer that affects young children.

This cause is particularly close to our hearts because Ryu is himself a survivor of retinoblastoma. He was diagnosed after his grandmother noticed an unusual white reflection in one of his eyes in a photograph. Thanks to that observation, he was able to receive treatment, and while he lost his vision in one eye, he has gone on to live a happy, healthy, and full life!

His story is a reminder of how important awareness can be- something as simple as recognising an unusual reflection in a photograph can lead to an early diagnosis, which can make a real difference. If you'd like to learn more about the condition and its symptoms, CHECT has some excellent information on their website: https://chect.org.uk/about-retinoblastoma-2/

CHECT does incredible work supporting children and families affected by retinoblastoma. They provide practical and emotional support, offer grants to families facing the financial pressures of cancer, and fund research to improve our understanding of the disease and develop kinder, more effective treatments.

If you're able to support us, we'd be hugely grateful. Every donation, no matter the size, helps CHECT continue this important work! ❤️

Thank you so much for any support you are able to offer!