For Kyan 💙
Sometimes something happens that makes everything else suddenly feel very small.
Recently, Kyan, a wonderful 15-year-old and a close friend of my son, Ciaran, was diagnosed with cancer.
Even writing those words feels incredibly difficult.
At 15, life should be about school, friendships, laughter, making plans for the future and enjoying being young. A cancer diagnosis is something no child or family should have to face, and I can only imagine the emotions and uncertainty that Kyan and his family are experiencing right now.
As a mum, watching a family you know and care about face something like this is heartbreaking. You desperately want to do something to help, even though you know you cannot take away the thing they are facing.
But perhaps we can make one small part of their journey a little easier.
Why I’m fundraising
Over the years, my Jellycat platform has become about far more than collecting cuddly toys. It has introduced me to an incredible community of people, created friendships and, most importantly, shown me just how much kindness can be generated when people come together.
So now I would like to use this little platform of mine to do something that really matters.
I am fundraising for Kyan and his family, with the hope of easing some of the financial pressure that inevitably comes when a child becomes seriously unwell.
When your child is going through cancer treatment, the last thing any parent should have to worry about is money. There can be time away from work, travelling to and from hospital, parking, fuel, meals, additional household expenses and countless unexpected costs.
The money raised isn't intended to change what Kyan is facing. It's simply intended to give his family a little more freedom to concentrate on the thing that matters most: being there for Kyan.
A community coming together 🧸💙
I know that times are difficult for so many people, and I would never want anyone to feel under pressure to donate.
If you can contribute, however small the amount, it will be received with enormous gratitude. If you aren't able to donate, sharing the fundraiser is just as valuable. One share can put it in front of somebody else who may be able to help.
I've seen before what this community can achieve when we come together, and I'm hoping we can wrap Kyan and his family in a huge virtual hug and remind them that they don't have to face this journey alone.
To Kyan: there are a lot of people standing behind you.
To his family: we may not be able to make this journey disappear, but hopefully we can make part of it a little lighter.
And to everyone who donates, shares, supports the fundraising or simply sends some love Kyan's way — thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Let's do something special for this young man. 💙
For Kyan. For his family. And because sometimes a community coming together can make a very difficult time just that little bit easier.
With love,
Mel – Jelly Queen Mel 🧸💙