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Home > Get involved > Fundraising and events > Running > About running for us >Aimee's daughter Leanna, now seven, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2003. She relapsed in 2006 but is now in remission and back at school. Aimee took part in the Virgin London Marathon in 2010 to raise money for CLIC Sargent.
Aimee's story:
'When Leanna was diagnosed she was immediately taken to Bristol Children's Hospital to start treatment. At that time Leanna was only six months and we were already going through a difficult time because Anastazie, Leanna's twin sister had died at only two days old. We were still grieving for her. Now we had to try and cope with Leanna's diagnosis.'
The family had to sell their home and relocate to Bristol to be with Leanna. They stayed at Sam's House, a CLIC Sargent Home from Home, and Aimee hardly left Leanna's bedside. Leanna's brother spent long periods away from them all, staying in Cornwall with his grandparents.
'It was a difficult time for the whole family' said Aimee. 'But Sam's house was amazing. The facilities and staff were brilliant. It was a really positive experience for us. It's not a sad place, it's a happy place.'
Eventually the family returned to Cornwall, and supported by their CLIC Sargent Nurse, Leanna's treatment continued for another two years.
'Leanna relapsed in 2006, just four weeks after the end of her treatment. We were rushed back to Bristol. I was pregnant at the time and as soon as Charlotte was born at the maternity hospital I went back, with the baby, to Leanna's isolation room. I stayed in the room with Leanna and Charlotte for 94 days.'
Leanna is now doing well, although she does suffer from side effects from her treatment, including muscle and growth problems. She has to do special exercises every night to help.
Running the Virgin London Marathon
'I decided to take part in the Virgin London Marathon because I simply wanted to raise as much money as possible. CLIC Sargent supported us so much, our nurse and social worker were amazing and only a phone call away.
'Training wasn't easy, but I trained with a friend. This meant we couldn't let each other down! On the day, the CLIC Sargent cheer points were amazing. They really helped me get around the course. And as much as I did it to raise money, what also motivated me over the finish line was the memory of Anastazie. I had a picture of her on my running vest to help me get through it.
'Fundraising was pretty straightforward as I created an online Virgin Money Giving page and told everyone about it via email and Facebook. I also did a bucket collection and organised a Ball. In the end I raised more than £4,000!'
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