In 2017 the Curtis families eldest daughter Charlotte was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour, she was only 14 at the time. As you can imagine their whole world was turned upside down and they had to watch her endure invasive brain surgery, 6 weeks of radiotherapy and 9 months of chemotherapy. Throughout the ordeal she remained determined and courageous, showing such incredible maturity and strength. 

Charlotte has come to the end of her treatment and so is now focused on her rehabilitation. The location of the tumour and its removal have left Charlotte with severe loss of mobility in her left side including her face. She has had numerous operations to her face to try and regain some movement and her infectious smile. Charlotte has endured these with tenacity and dignity. Her mobility is still poor; she can not walk unaided, but she continues to push herself in physiotherapy sessions and at home, to achieve her ultimate desire of being able to walk small distances on her own. 

Cancer has changed Charlotte’s life beyond recognition; she has not been able to live the ‘normal’ teenage life. Charlotte needs support to concentrate on activities for any length of time and can find it hard to get motivated sometimes. She continues to amaze though with her resilience and everyone is hugely proud of her and her achievements.

Sarah, Charlottes mum was a teacher at a local primary school but has had to leave her job to care for Charlotte. Also in her family is dad Andrew, and sister Bethany. 

Before Charlotte had the tumour, she loved to cook for family and friends and she showed great talent. Now however, her desire is to be able to prepare her own food; simple tasks like getting a drink, getting breakfast, making lunch or helping to prepare a family dinner are impossible in the current layout. 

Charlotte’s family have been waiting for over 2 years to have some simple adaptations made in their home. Adaptations which would enable Charlotte to gain some crucial independence. They need a more open plan kitchen, which Charlotte can access comfortably. This is not something which can happen at the moment. The current Coronavirus situation has delayed any chance of getting these vital adaptations made.  

So this is where we have stepped in!! We feel it should be a right for someone who has endured all of this to be able to access their own family kitchen. Our aim is to raise as much money as we can so that they are able to have the open plan space they need to give Charlotte the best possible quality of life at home. We hope you can help us share this with everyone you know...and together make this a reality for the Curtis family ❤️