ROWAN, aged 9, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when he was just about to turn 6 years old, after he collapsed in his mother’s arms outside the family’s GP surgery.

He was admitted to GOSH and has been having intense chemotherapy for the last few years.

Rowan has been very sensitive to the chemotherapy treatment and it’s affected his mobility in his arms, legs and hands, so much so that he’s had to stop playing in his football team.

In the last few months, Rowan has also faced a life threatening bought of sepsis at home, caused by a problem with his tooth, and he was rushed back to GOSH for emergency treatment where the medical team saved his life, along with his mum Abby who had to resuscitate Rowan after he collapsed and stopped breathing at home.

Despite everything he’s been through, Rowan and his family have always taken part in Race for the Kids but this year are aiming to get the biggest team together to date, a super team of 100 people, to mark Rowan’s milestone of finishing his treatment. Rowan got to ring the end of treatment bell last week following his last chemo session and was able to have a long awaited prawn lunch to mark the occasion! (He hadn’t been able to eat prawns for the last few years due to his chemo.)

For more information about RBC Race for the Kids and to register for a place please visit: gosh.org/raceforthekids