Jamie’s Journey

Jamie’s Story
10th May 2025. That’s the day our lives changed forever. Our son Jamie (13) was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). In an instant, our world changed. One moment we were living our normal, everyday lives, and the next we were navigating hospital wards, treatment plans and a future filled with uncertainty.
Jamie spent months undergoing treatment at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle, supported by the incredible teams on wards 4 and 14. Thanks to their skill, compassion and tireless dedication, Jamie is now in remission and doing really well.
It has been an incredibly hard year for us as a family, but one filled with gratitude. When life changes in a second, the care, kindness and support you receive can make all the difference. We will be forever thankful to everyone who helped us through this; the most difficult time of our lives.
For families like ours in Cumbria, treatment often means travelling long distances. The additional costs quickly add up — fuel, parking, overnight stays, and simply feeding everyone while living between home and hospital. On top of this, there is the added pressure of not being able to work as normal, or at all, while caring for a seriously ill child. The financial strain can be overwhelming at a time when your only focus should be your child. The support we received helped ease those burdens when we needed it most.
Along the way, we met some truly amazing families, and some incredible children and teenagers who face unimaginable challenges with strength, humour and courage. Nobody ever wants to find themselves in this situation, but it is made more bearable by the people, places and charities that step in when they are needed most.

On 30th May 2026, I will take on a cycling challenge of approximately 230 miles, with almost 15,000 feet of elevation all within 24 hours. We’ll be setting off early Saturday afternoon with the aim of being back home by lunchtime on Sunday (31st). I will follow the route Jamie travelled during his treatment — from our home in Seaton to the doctors in Workington, on to West Cumberland Hospital, then over to the RVI via Alston and Hartside Pass, returning via Carlisle.
(Anyone who would like to join me, for as much or as little of the route as they would like, will be more than welcome) It’s a physical and mental challenge with deep personal meaning.
This challenge is part of our way of giving back.

We are raising money for three charities that supported Jamie, as well as us, throughout Jamie’s treatment:

Children’s Cancer North (CCN), who fund vital revolutionary research into children’s cancer. They provide support for children and their families, assist the wards and create positive experiences for children across the North East and Cumbria.

Teenage Cancer Trust, who offer unique care and support, designed for and with young people. They fund Specialised Nurses , Youth Support Coordinators and hospital units within the NHS.

The Sick Children’s Trust, who gave us a place to stay while Jamie was an inpatient at the RVI.

Every donation helps ensure that when a family’s life changes in a second, they are not facing it alone — emotionally, practically or financially — and that the same care, support and compassion we received will be there for others in the future.

Please donate whatever you can.

If you would like to join me for the full/part of the route please WhatsApp me on 07809499002

Thank you for helping us give something back.