Zoe's fundraising page for Pearl

Imagine if your child got cancer. Think about how that would turn your whole world upside down, literally overnight. This is what happened to our dear friends Rachel and Jamie BartlettBundy. Their daughter, 10 year old Pearl, was diagnosed with a very rare form of bone cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma back in November last year, after discovering a lump on her back. Pearl is a beautiful, bright little girl with huge courage. Within a week of being diagnosed, she changed from being an energetic 10 year old with a love of aerial dance and horseriding, into a wheelchair user. At diagnosis a tumour had already grown to the size of a melon inside her small frame squashing many of her vital organs. Tumours had already spread to her legs, her pelvis and her lower vertebrae, making it too painful for her to walk. She is undergoing the most aggressive form of chemotherapy & radiotherapy that it is possible to endure, and trying with all of her might to manage all of the distressing side effects, including opportunistic infections that strike and threaten her health still further. She has responded very well to her treatment so far, however she still has a long way to go. Rachel and Jamie have made a vow to be with her "every step of the way" and have stayed true to their word. They have given up work to be with her and look after Pearl's brother Milo aged 8. The family virtually live and move between Brighton's Royal Alex Children's hospital and UCL Hospital up in London, where most of the treatment takes place. She takes heart from their presence and it gives her the strength to carry on. The whole family has shown amazing strength and resilience in the face of this predicament. There is still a chance that Pearl can be cured long term and this is what she and her family are fighting for every single day and we, as her friends, want to do anything we can to help. Please give whatever you can to sponsor me in July for Cancer Research in the 'Race for Life' 5k in Brighton's Stanmer Park. I've never done a charity run before, so I'm excited and determined to raise money to help Pearl and her family, and all others affected by this devastating disease. Donating through this page is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with Cancer Research UK.