29/10/2026
At this year's Dalcour Maclaren Conference, as part of DM Thrive Live, I was invited to take part in a Graham Norton-style panel discussion in front of more than 750 colleagues.
Standing on that stage was one of the most daunting things I've ever done because I wasn't talking about work. I was sharing the story of our daughter, Amelia.
When Amelia was just 15 months old, we noticed something wasn't quite right. What followed was a journey no parent ever expects to face, leading to a diagnosis of Retinoblastoma and an experience that would change our lives forever.
During the session, I shared our story from those first signs and the uncertainty of diagnosis, through treatment and the challenges we faced as a family, to where we are today. A journey that has brought fear, heartbreak and countless difficult moments, but also resilience, strength, perspective and hope.
The real inspiration throughout has been Amelia. Watching her face every challenge with bravery and determination has taught me more about courage than I could ever put into words.
Sharing such a personal chapter of our lives with so many people wasn't easy, but if it helps raise awareness of Retinoblastoma, encourages another parent to trust their instincts, or simply reminds someone that they are not alone in their own challenges, then it was worth every second.
I'm incredibly grateful to Dalcour Maclaren for creating an environment where people feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work and where stories like ours can be shared so openly.
Most of all, I'm proud of Amelia. Every day she reminds us what true strength looks like, and I couldn't be prouder of the amazing little girl she has become.
❤️
