10 Years On

Well, here we are in April 2020. It is a year we will never forget thanks to Covid 19 but for us as a charity it is also the year we turn 10.

It is hard for Ian and I to believe that 10 years have passed since our decision to set up our own charity. So much has happened in those years.

We have been able to support hundreds of families of young cancer patients in practical ways. We built the Ripple Retreat. We have expanded our services to other hospitals in Scotland. My idea to set up a Young Ambassador programme is one I am very proud of – and I am proud of all our Young Ambassadors, past and present. They represent us very well indeed. Our volunteers have been recognised as being some of the best in the business by being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. We always knew how good they were but it was lovely for that to be recognised. I survived a cancer diagnosis myself in 2015 and the experience taught me just how awful the treatments were and certainly made me a more passionate campaigner on behalf of children and young people going through treatment.

My own charity work was recognised that same year and I was delighted to be awarded an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Covid 19 has paused many of our activities but we have found ways to continue to support families. We have big plans for 2020 and beyond and we hope that we are able to restart our fundraising as soon as we are all given the all-clear for resuming events and meetings!

Happy Birthday to us but perhaps this year with a quieter celebration than we might have planned. I was going to bake a cake but that wouldn’t be good for my health as it would just be me and Ian eating it – we shall save the idea for a volunteer get together later in the year.

Ian and I both hope that you are all #stayingsafe #stayinghome #inthistogether .