9 hours Ago
A Glasgow mother has shared a powerful message of hope for families affected by childhood cancer. Cara Macdonald, whose daughter Morven was diagnosed with cancer at seven, is part of Children with Cancer UK's Christmas Appeal. The charity aims to inspire and encourage families facing similar struggles with messages of hope, courage, and strength.
Morven was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in January 2020. After months of treatment, the family received the news that the cancer had gone, and the treatment had been successful. Morven is now a thriving 11-year-old who loves football and dreams of becoming a professional football player.
Cara said: "There were some tough days, but there were also moments of laughter and love that gave us hope during the darkest times. "Hold on to hope, cherish the time together, and believe in the possibility of a brighter future. "Things can and will get better.
" Cara also shared her family's cherished Christmas traditions. She said: "We are grateful every year to be together. "It’s not often we get a chance to just stop and enjoy time together.
"We love Christmas. "We put our decorations up in December and spend a whole day doing it as a family. "In the last week of school, we go to a tiny, traditional cinema in Glasgow to watch 'It’s a Wonderful Life' - the children can’t believe films existed with no colour.
"On the Sunday before Christmas, we always go to the local pantomime, this year it’s Jack and the Beanstalk. "On Christmas Eve, we deliver presents to neighbours and friends, and then we go to church for the 4pm family service, followed by dinner out. "It’s the same every year.
"We then get into our Christmas pyjamas and get the milk, cookies, and carrots ready for Santa. "On Christmas morning, the chaos starts and I sit back and have a glass of Prosecco as they open their presents. "We have a big family breakfast and wait for granny to arrive to stay for dinner.
" Every day, 10 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK. Tragically, cancer remains the number one cause of death in children, meaning many families face the cruel reality that they will never spend another Christmas with their child. This year, Children with Cancer UK's Christmas Appeal shares stories of hope and resilience from the brave families affected by childhood cancer that the charity has supported throughout the year.
Amar Naher, CEO of Children with Cancer UK, said: "The holiday season is particularly difficult for the families who have gone through the unimaginable, often feeling isolated navigating life facing childhood cancer. "Our message this Christmas is of hope: hope for families, and hope for a future where every child survives childhood cancer and has the opportunity to live a full life. "Your donation this Christmas will fund life-saving research so that more children survive cancer and their families get the support they need.
" Children with Cancer UK is one of the leading national children’s charities working towards a world where every child and young person survives a cancer diagnosis. To watch Children with Cancer UK’s Christmas Appeal, visit their YouTube channel..
