Real superheroes can sometimes be found in the hearts of small children fighting big battles. The last two years have been difficult for many families, but for some, the pandemic, combined with a diagnosis of childhood cancer, has been unimaginably traumatic and isolating.
Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund recognised that this needed to change to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, so they organised a magical and memorable day for children with cancer and their families with the help of pirates, princesses, superheroes, and a church.
Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund has been a lifeline to families for 30 years. Their mission is to provide financial, emotional, and practical support, as well as free respite breaks, to the entire family from the time their child is diagnosed, through treatment, and beyond, to help guide families through the trauma and heartache of childhood cancer.
The charity was founded in 1992 in a small room behind West Ham Parish Church and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Since then, it has grown from strength to strength, providing vital support to thousands of families.
The charity enlisted The Thundersley Superhero Alliance, A Fairy Tale Dream, the Blackwater Pirates, and Essex Cosplay to participate in an abundance of arts and crafts at St Michael’s Church to create a magical day that brought joy, happiness, and lasting memories to the true heroes, the amazing and incredibly brave children of Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund.
The goal was to bring together these families, many of whom had never met anyone else who truly understood the emotional rollercoaster that is childhood cancer. Giving the parents a chance to meet other parents and, most importantly, giving the children with cancer and their siblings a chance to mix and play with other children is part of the emotional and practical support that Lennox provides to families affected by childhood cancer.
According to Lindsey Bidwell of Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund: ‘Everyone had a fantastic time. Captain America was painting with Zachary, Princess Elsa was planting with Sophie, and the pirates were giving Poppy treasure.’
‘It was truly heart-warming to see, but also quite emotional. The parents who came have already contacted me to say how special it was and that they had exchanged phone numbers with other parents so that they could stay in touch. That’s what it came down to for us. Bringing families together. I’m grateful to the Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund for bringing some magic and joy to our families during their darkest days.’
