Young lives vs cancer
Swindon delivery office manager Darren Fernandes recently took part in the Prudential Ride London 100 charity cycle event in aid of cancer charity, Clic Sargent, which fights tirelessly to stop cancer destroying young lives.
‘In October 1997 after a number of visits to our GP, our eldest daughter, Amber was admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital and diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia,’ said Darren. ‘She was just three years and eight months old.
‘The following day Amber was admitted to Bristol Children's Hospital to start her treatment and it was then that CLIC Sargent stepped in and provided us with support. During the day, arrangements were made for our youngest daughter Megan (then 13 months old), and I to be provided with a room in CLIC House, a ten-minute walk from the hospital.
‘The house provided a place for us to return to after long days spent at the hospital, while my wife, Claire stayed with Amber. It also provided somewhere that we could all spend time together away from the hospital, once Amber was allowed some time out.
‘Fortunately for us, we didn't have to spend too many nights in the house, but some parents who travel to specialist children's hospitals so their children can be given lifesaving treatment, spend months in these homes from home in order to keep the families together during such tough times. The charity was invaluable to us and that’s why I wanted to raise as much money as possible so that they can continue to support families like ours.
‘As a result of the wonderful care and the ongoing research into the causes and treatment of childhood cancer, Amber was successfully cured after two years of chemotherapy treatment. She now works as a paediatric oncology nurse in Bristol Children's Hospital looking after other young children who are being treated for cancer and leukaemia.
Parents & Carers
Many of our people balance parental and caring responsibilities with their career. Our Parents & Carers steering group advocates for carers and offers support to those who need it.
The group aims to help colleagues with caring responsibilities balance these duties with their day-to-day working life. They can help direct you to where you can obtain support with formal flexible working requests and approvals as well as advice on the types of flexible working available.
Please visit the steering group homepage to read more about the work they are doing, and access a range of resources available to support you if you are caring for others.
If you would like to share your story, learn more or get involved, please contact them at parents.and.carers@royalmail.com.
