Charlie Gambrill

In 2004 when Charlie was only 7 years old he lost his nannie to breast cancer. They had an extremely close relationship and this was a huge blow. The following year his sister, Chloe, was diagnosed with leukaemia and began 27 months of chemotherapy. To a young child who was used to having his family with him this was a frightening and distressing time. Initially Charlie had to try and cope with not having mum and dad with him and, as treatment progressed, often being collected from school with no warning by other family members, as his sister was rushed to hospital. Having come through this difficult experience, in 2009 his mum,aged 36, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite all of these traumatic events, Charlie has become a young man to be proud of. During his sisters treatment he sat his Kent test and obtained a grammar school place. This was despite his sister having been rushed to hospital the previous day with life threatening chicken pox and him being at the hospital until midnight. He continued to be a scout and take part in many events and also swim with his local swimming club, raising funds for the hospital childrens ward, where his sister received some of her treatment, with a charity sponsored swim. He has since gone on to be a successful competitive swimmer, winning medals at County level and qualifying to compete at the South East Regional Championships. He has coped with all lifes troubles with determination and supported his family in every way he can.