A FLINTSHIRE-based charity helping support families affected by childhood cancer was given some recognition in Parliament.
Giddo’s Gift, is a Flint-based charity set up in memory of 18-year-old Jordan Giddins who passed away on April 27, 2017, following a seven-year battle with cancer.
Delyn MP Rob Roberts recently met Jordan’s Mum and founder of the charity, Mandy Giddins.
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She told him about what Jordan had to endure through his various treatment regimes, the many side effects he experienced, and all of the setbacks they dealt with due to the lack of tried and tested treatment pathways.
Mandy, who is a nurse practitioner herself, and Jordan’s family are campaigning to raise awareness of the need for more funding for research into childhood cancer.
Following the meeting, Mr Roberts took part in a debate in the chamber to discuss childhood cancer outcomes.
He said: “It was an absolute privilege to meet with Mandy, to hear about Jordan’s very sad story, and about how the family have used their experience to help others in the same situation.
“Any form of cancer is dreadful, but childhood cancer is even more devastating. As a parent myself I can only imagine what these families must go through.
PIC: Delyn MP Rob Roberts.
“One of the amazing things I have the privilege of doing as a Member of Parliament is telling other people’s stories in the House of Commons Chamber. I can share with others the amazing work of ordinary hard-working families like the Giddins’ and champion causes dear to them.
“I was honoured to tell Jordan’s story in the short time I had available and represent Mandy’s views that more needs to be done to end the suffering of children and young people diagnosed with cancer.
“I support the Giddins family on their campaign for more research into childhood cancer outcomes and I will join the many other families and MP’s calling on the Government to do more in this area.
“Prior to meeting Mandy and taking part in this debate I didn’t realise how little is known about cancer in children, the lack of treatment pathways, the limited research that is being undertaken, and the horrific experiences our children and young people are facing.
“I will be contacting the Welsh Health Minister to ask what her plans are to improve outcomes for children with cancer in Wales and the local health board to ask what more can be done to support them.”
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