It is always incredible to hear about our younger patients, who despite all they are going through themselves, reach out to support others.

Yasmin Howes is one of these little superstars.

The eleven-year-old from Didcot knows the Oxford Children’s Hospital very well indeed, as over the past two years she has been a treated there for the bone cancer, osteosarcoma.

Amongst the numerous rounds of intensive chemotherapy as well as surgery, Yasmin decided to focus on helping others by fundraising for Kamran’s Ward, where she received most of her care.

And this little wonder has inspired so many others in her local community to do the same.

The whole Didcot community has really rallied behind Yas – organising fundraisers and collections to support the family and raise funds for Kamran’s Ward.

One of the groups that got behind Yasmin’s fundraising is Mayhem Kickboxing, which raised an incredible £3,000. Yasmin was a member of the club before becoming ill and absolutely loved her kickboxing classes.

A group of friends also organised a massive Spin event, where Ady Crook took to his Spin Bike in his front garden, spinning 1000 miles from John O'Groats to Lands End in a month, which smashed all targets raising a further £4,000 for Kamran’s. 

Louise Howes, Yasmin’s mum said:

‘Yas has been through so much – far more than any child should.

‘She underwent a five hour operation, countless gruelling chemotherapy sessions, and had some really difficult side effects, plus tough physiotherapy to start to rebuild her strength – but her spirit and determination have shone through'.

‘Yas wanted to do something positive through all this, to thank the teams who have looked after her and also help other children coming through these wards.'

'We know first-hand how much the hospital charity does to support young patients, so, thanks to the amazing efforts of some wonderfully selfless people, we are thrilled to be able to make such a difference.

‘The whole Didcot community really rallied behind Yas during her treatment, and we couldn’t be more grateful to them – what they have helped achieve is beyond words.

'Due to the restrictions imposed by Covid, the incredible staff on Kamran's Ward and the other families we met there, became our family - so we just wanted to give back in some way and show our thanks for helping to get us through such a horrific chapter of our lives.'

Emily Payne, from Oxford Hospitals Charity added: 'It is a joy whenever I get the chance to talk to Yas, Louise and her family as they are such incredibly inspirational people.

'We are so very grateful to them – and to all of those who have got behind their fundraising efforts, this will make such a difference to other young patients with cancer.'

If Yasmin has inspired you to take up a challenge in support of your local hospital do get in touch it’s so easy to create a fundraising page and get started.  

And you can help make a difference to thousands of Oxfordshire families by making a donation to the Oxford Children's Hospital today: