Kilimanjaro Trek to Raise Money for Charities

A group of friends and myself will be climbing Kilimanjaro in December to raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice and Teenage Cancer Trust. These are 2 charities which are close to my heart after loosing my daughter Isabelle in 2022 after being diagnosed with high-risk Medullablastoma Brain Tumour.

Isabelle was an energetic, healthy, happy and vibrant 13 year old girl. She loved school, playing volleyball, doing jiujitsu and adored her holidays. Her smile and laughter was contagious, and her favourite time of year was Christmas.

In late December 2021, symptoms of headaches, blurred vision, a squint and morning vomiting began, along with poor balance. On 3rd January, she had an MRI scan at Birmingham Children's Hospital, where were told there was a growth in her brain, our world flipped upside down. The next day, she had the mass removed. Isabelle took it all in her stride and joked about the hospital gown being a great halloween costume and that she felt like she was in an episode of Grey's Anatomy. Our beautiful, funny, cheerful and brave girl! Shortly after, we heard the words no parent should hear. Isabelle was diagnosed with a high-risk Medullablastoma brain tumour. Cancer.

The next 9 months were far from smooth. The tumour grew back weeks after it was removed, and the prognosis changed dramatically. She picked herself up after each setback even more fiercely than the last. Six months of treatments - Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and high-dose Chemotherapy. Scans, infections, NG tubes, injections, stem cells, hospital stays, intensive care, a Hickman line and countless medications. The stuff of nightmares that no child should endure.

In August 2022, in between rounds of chemotherapy, Isabelle woke with a headache and blurred vision. An MRI showed it had grown back. We were told there was no further treatment anywhere in the country or world that would help Isabelle. We spent the following three weeks making memories with our precious Isabelle with the help from Teenage Cancer Trust.

On 9th September 2022, Isabelle passed away in our arms with the care from Acorns Children's Hospice in Sellyoak. We live each day for her brother and for her.

We miss her every second. Her bravery, independence, kindness and determination will always be an inspiration to us.

Every penny of the money raised with be equally split between Teenage Cancer Trust and Acorn's Children's Hospice in Isabelle's Memory.

I would like to thank the following friends who are joining me on this trip:

Jamie Hunt

Andrew Jones

Thomas Clarke

John Shaw

Gerry Wright

Tom Knapp

James Wileman

Chris Topp

A special thank you to Jamie Hunt for doing the main organising for this trip.

Thank you for all your support and donations, Alex Conley.