In 2016, a gorgeous and happy 10 year old called Bella was diagnosed with a brain tumour. The worst news for any family.  

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Within weeks of this life changing news, Bella had two emergency surgeries to remove the majority of the tumour, but was left unable to walk, speak and swallow. 

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During her hospital stay, an outreach team from the Children's Trust Charity offered Bella and her family a 10 week stay at their Tadworth rehabilitation centre in Surrey. There she received daily physiotherapy, cognitive and speech therapy so that she could start to have her life back. By the time she returned home, Bella was able to walk and speak again. 

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The charity's support didn't stop when she left. They arranged ongoing physiotherapy at home, which proved invaluable when she needed further surgery just six weeks later. That vital support continued through her teenage years, including when her tumour sadly returned in 2020, resulting in more surgeries and two years of chemotherapy. 

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I had the pleasure of visiting the Tadworth Centre with Bella and her mother Jackie in 2024 and the experienced moved me to tears. The staff are so dedicated and loving that many remembered Bella from her time there. The facilities try and encourage as much normalcy and independance as possible for the temporary and permanent residents there. Everyone has their own room and there are rooms available for parents to stay as well.

 

A particular memory that I hold onto, was an art class for some of their permanent non-verbal and wheelchair bound residents. They have a device that allows the children to communicate with the teacher, so despite not saying a word, they can communicate the colour paint that they want to be put onto the canvas, which was then spun when they were ready. Each child had the opportunity to create their own unique and abstract piece of art they could be proud of. It made me realise just how much I take for granted in my own life, simple things such as picking up a pen and writing my own name. 

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So, after running the London Marathon in 2025 for TCT, and having many inspiring conversations with Bella and her mum Jacqui, we decided we would try our best to raise the equivalent amount of money that it cost the charity to help Bella in 2016. We worked this out to be roughly £80,000, so in today's money we estimate thats probably £100,000. 

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Bella is the story and inspiration and I'm just the vessel, together we are attempting to raise these vital funds to say thank you and ensure many others can continue to receive the life changing help and support when they need it most.

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