Monica Argenton

Our Family Page

We're taking part in RBC Race for the Kids as a family - please help us raise as much as we can

Monica Argenton

Leila W

Aaliyah W

I’m joining the race to help beat childhood cancer by taking part in RBC Race for the Kids

Leila (the sporty one), Aaliyah (the cheeky one) and I (the 'wise' one) will take part in GOSH Charity’s family festival and fun run, RBC Race for the Kids, to raise funds to help build the new Children’s Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

GOSH has been a big part of our lives since August 2019 when Aaliyah was transferred to the pediatric intensive care there a few hours after she was born. We were then moved to the Leopard (respiratory) ward a few days later and stayed there for the next 3 weeks. Aaliyah was always going to be one of the lucky ones, despite the endless appointments for the first year of her life, the surgery when she turned 1 and all the additional hurdles she will have to face, with the support of GOSH, until she reaches adult age.

GOSH is amazing at not only looking after the children but their families too. I was so grateful that they were able to provide accommodation for me really close by whilst A. was in intensive care & I was then able to stay in a private room with her whilst in the Leopard Ward. They organised for midwives to check I was physically OK in situ and gave me vouchers for the canteen to ensure I was eating properly whilst expressing milk to tube feed her. Leila, who was 8 at the time, loved spending days with us there and used to go to the fully staffed arts and crafts room and to the internal Disney-themed playground for hours on end and still thinks that GOSH is a really fun place! For me, GOSH wasn’t exactly fun but I always felt we were safe and cared for and that nowhere else in the world would have provided better care to Aaliyah.

Having a sick child and spending time at GOSH has been one of the most life-changing event in my life. Whilst there, I have shared stories (and tears) with many parents whose children have spent years in the hospital. I have chatted to the most amazing, resilient and funny children, living such a full and joyous life, in the face of debilitating illnesses. If I could summarize my experience there in one sentence, I would say 'never have I seen pain like it, never have I seen love like it'.

This race is to sponsor a new Children’s Cancer Centre at GOSH where children have access to play and education alongside pioneering treatments. Where families can stay together through some of the hardest moments. Where access to outdoor space is a priority, and a focus on nutrition helps fuel recovery.

Please sponsor us to take on 5k for GOSH Charity!

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