A Gift from Grace

14/10/2026

Mucositis

Mucositis is a common side effect of chemotherapy, it typically starts as inflammation in the mouth but can spread down the throat right down to the guts.

Some of the symptoms may include bleeding or cracked lips, sore mouth, ulceration, dry mouth, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, shedding of the mouth lining, discomfort around the stomach/upper abdomen/lower rib area, lower abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation.

Your consultant will advise on medical mouthwashes and rinses that can help ease some of the discomfort. A soft bristled toothbrush will also help keep good oral hygiene during stages of mucositis

Ref: CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association

08/10/2026

Paul Hampton Homes

Paul Hampton Homes, a local family owned business based just outside Hillsborough.

They recently reached out to us after finding out about Grace's story and her birthday appeal and wanted to donate some items for it along with some extras for the children & teens on the ward. They also took the time to hear about who Grace was and how we as her parents plan to keep her legacy going, along with happily taking one of our pin badge boxes to raise funds.

They are such a lovely, welcoming team of staff and we are very grateful for their help and donations towards A Gift from Grace.

Paul Hampton Home & Café

03/10/2026

Zac & his family

Where do we start with this amazing boy and his family, I think me and Kerry both remember the first time we met in the ward.

Zac like every child on the ward faced an extremely tough battle against childhood cancer and had to spend time apart from his brothers, cousins, family, friends. But this boy fought hard and won his battle and for that we couldn't be anymore happy for Zac and his family, then he decided to step it up a notch and wanted to do his own fundraising for all the charities who helped support him.

We along with nine other charities were chosen to receive a share of this money to which we couldn't be anymore thankful and appreciated of, so thank you Zac and his wonderful family !!

Sisters and Sons

30/09/2026

I hope what has been shared this month for childhood cancer awareness has been helpful with parents and care-givers. To let them know some of the common signs and symptoms but also that some of these could also be classed as normal childhood illnesses/part of growing up too. Or in some cases there may be nothing until they are very sick without any indication of what has/is going on in their body.

And to always know that you all know your children best and to never stop fighting for better health checks and scans to be done… for healthcare staff to have that question on their minds, could this be something more sinister going on and to do the referrals and more testing

We all know early diagnosis is important !!

27/09/2026

Grace's Birthday Appeal

Where do we even start, honestly we are so grateful and thankful for each one of you that has donated an item or more for Grace's Birthday.

I Know the girl herself would be telling us - Look at what everyone did isn't that so kind and nice of them to want to help us !!

To each family that will receive a Lego or Jellycat, I hope this brings you & your child/teenager a sense of support and happiness. To know that each item has been donated with love, care and well wishes.

26/09/2026

A big thank you to the team at South Down Motorcycle Club!

Fantastic day last Sunday that raised a total of £2820!

The total amount has been split between ourselves and the amazing airambulance_ni

25/09/2026

Sarcomas

Sarcoma’s come in many different forms, some have their own signs and symptoms significant to the form. So again I’m going to generalise the signs and symptoms,

* Bone and muscle pains - sometimes affecting the limb of movement
* Unexplained fractures of the bone
* Swelling and redness of the area
* Temperatures
* A lump
* Unexplained tiredness
* Loss of appetite and weight loss
* Shortness of breath
* Vomiting and issues with going to the toilet
* Headaches
* Eyesight issues
* Persistent cough

Again a lot of these symptoms may not appear at the same time and some have ‘normal’ explanations, but if you feel it is something more keeping pushing for referral and more tests to be done

23/09/2026

Germ Cell Tumours

Germ cell tumours symptoms and signs can vary depending on the site affected, the following though can be seen at times;

* A lump that can be seen or felt
* If in certain areas such as the chest it could cause breathing issues
* Bladder could cause needing the toilet more
* Abdominal could cause stomach pains and issues
* Potentially early puberty signs

Again alot of these symptoms may not appear at the same time and some have 'normal' explanations, but if you feel that it is something more keeping pushing for referral and more tests to be done

Ref: Children with cancer UK

22/09/2026

Thank you again to Hallies fight against leukemia for this! Anyone in the area call in! 🌈❤️

☕💗 COFFEE MORNING – EVERYONE WELCOME! 💗

Come along for a lovely afternoon of coffee, sweet treats, good company and lots of fun — all while supporting two wonderful charities. 💕
📅 Sunday 27th September
⏰ 12–2.30pm
📍 Mullans Bar

🎟️ RAFFLE – GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON! 🎁

All proceeds will go towards supporting an amazing charity supporting children with Cancer, A Gift from Grace 🌈 and Breast Cancer 🩷

Bring your family and friends, enjoy a cuppa and help us make a difference. Every donation and every bit of support means so much. ❤️
We’d love to see you there! ☕🧁💕

If anyone would like to donate to the raffle, it would be greatly appreciated, just send a message. Thank you

21/09/2026

Brain Tumours

There aren’t signs and symptoms unique to brain tumours, but the following have been seen;

* Constant complaining of a sore head
* Feeling or being sick
* Seizures/fitting
* Having issues and struggling with their sight
* Weakness and unexplained tiredness
* Losing weight
* Struggling to hear
* Changes in smell
* Losing balance
* Changes in behaviours and memory loss

Again alot of these symptoms may not appear at the same time and some have 'normal' explanations, but if you feel that it is something more keeping pushing for referral and more tests to be done

Ref: Brainwaves NI