Mum’s Emotional Journey Inspires 15-Mile Fundraising Walk for The Joshua Tree
On 12th January this year, a young family’s life was turned upside down.
“On the 12th January this year, we were given the devastating news that no parents should ever hear – that our little boy who was just 2 at the time was being diagnosed with cancer. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Four days later, whilst Oliver was an inpatient at Alderhey Children’s Hospital, I went into preterm labour with my baby girl on the children’s cancer ward at Alderhey.”
Childhood cancer changed everything overnight.
“Childhood cancers steal childhoods. Overnight Oliver had to go from living a normal, active life of a two year old to becoming a recluse for risk of infection, only visiting hospitals for life saving treatment with horrible side effects and painful procedures. He didn’t get to come and meet his baby sister in the hospital when she was born and he spent his third birthday having chemotherapy.”
No more nursery. No soft play. No playdates or even trips to the shops. Everything stopped.
Then came the referral to The Joshua Tree, a children’s cancer charity based in Cheshire and North Wales. It was a turning point.
“When we were referred to The Joshua Tree and visited for the first time I could have cried. I saw children dressed up for world book day being children. Playing, laughing, making memories with their families.”
The Joshua Tree became a safe haven, a place where Oliver could play without the fear, where he could regain his strength, and where the whole family, including baby Poppy, felt supported.
“They have given us the opportunity to let Oliver play like a child should be able to play, to take part in what to others would be ‘normal’ activities like paint a pot, but to us are extra special. Our family support worker Claire has always been there via WhatsApp to offload to, to share a cup of tea with and to do whatever she can do to help Oliver and us.”
The charity not only provided activities for Oliver, but also respite for his mum, including looking after Poppy so she could spend precious one-to-one time with her son, and offering wellbeing therapies to help her cope.
“I will forever be in debt to the Joshua Tree for saving (and continuing to save) my sanity throughout this whole process. If we hadn’t have had the Joshua Tree to turn to and get us out of the house and away from hospitals, I don’t know what we would have done.”
Now, she is determined to give back.
“And that’s why me, and two of my best friends will all be walking 15 miles on the 20th September for the Walk Tall event to raise vital funds for The Joshua Tree, to allow them to keep doing the amazing work they are doing.”
Eloise’s Just Giving Page
The walk is part of Walk Tall for The Joshua Tree, a two-day event on 20th and 21st September, where participants can choose to walk 15 or 30 miles through beautiful countryside and along stunning coastline.
Everyone is welcome to join, whether you’re a family currently or previously affected by childhood cancer, or a supporter passionate about making a difference. It promises to be a memorable and uplifting community event.
The Joshua Tree offers tailored emotional, practical, and educational support to families from diagnosis through treatment, recovery, and beyond. Their services include counselling, therapeutic play, peer support, family events, and educational guidance, ensuring no one faces this journey alone. Events like Walk Tall are vital for raising the awareness and funds needed to keep these essential services running.
