At a time when they are just on the verge of adulthood, and with enough understanding to realise the severity of the situation, the diagnosis of a possibly fatal disease is particularly devastating.

There are cruel, physically and mentally debilitating regimes of treatment to be faced, often including hair loss and sometimes amputations of limbs. A young person's friends may well feel discomfort and shy away, leaving them feeling isolated and vulnerable.

Adolescence is recognised as a difficult time for the individual and for parents, yet it is during this time that they have to come to terms with the harsh treatment and the cancer's complete disregard for age, dreams or ambition. They also have to live with the knowledge that their friends are set to go forward into that inviting adult life which they may well be robbed of.

This is a time when facing death is the cruellest of ideas.

Laura's trust with your support, will do everything in it power to help prevent other people and their families from the pain, sadness and devastation that ours has experienced.

Laura Age 16