Writing in memory of my daughter is not easy. There are no words that can say how amazing or how much Xanthia is loved. Xanthia was not only my daughter but my mini me and my best friend. We had such a special bond and she is missed so much.

Xanthia was born on 19th June 2014. As a child growing up she was very head strong. She knew what she wanted and at the ages of 2 and 3 she knew how to test the boundaries. Xanthia loved to play in her own dream world with her toys. She also loved to play with her older sister Isabella. Together they would do what little girls do, giggle, play, be mischievous, laugh and comfort each other. Although Xanthia was the youngest of the two Isabella would look to Xanthia for reassurance when exploring or learning new skills. Xanthia was brave and would generally not be defeated by any challenge.

Xanthia was kind and thoughtful often putting others first. She would rarely say a bad word about anyone and in turn did not like to see someone being left out or picked on. If she chose you to be her friend you knew it was genuine but, if you upset her she would forgive but would never forget. Xanthia was not concerned about following the crowd, she was more interested in being her own person and an individual a lot like Wednesday Adams! She had her quirky ways that were often very mature for her years.

She loved watching Stranger Things, listening to Eminem, making Youtube videos both with her sister or on her own, she would spend hours playing Roadblocks or watching silly videos on the internet and reposting them. She loved being silly with Isabella and her brother Jamie. She would also like to look after and play with her younger brother Ethan. Xanthia also had an older brother Liam who she looked up to and respected a lot.

She was liked by all and always strove to do her best, inside and outside of school. She was very polite and courteous to others.

Sadly in November 2022 Xanthia was diagnosed with DIPG – a rare form of brain cancer that effects a very small number of children in Europe every year generally between the ages of 8 and 10. Being told this diagnoses was the hardest thing a parent can ever be told. We were told Xanthia would roughly 9 – 12 months to live if she was given radiotherapy. At this time there is no known cure for this form of brain cancer but as a parent you cant help but look up alternative cures and preventative measures to help hold off the cancer.

During Xanthias treatment she did not go into school much for obvious reasons. Despite not being at school she was very keen to complete online homework and do her times tables rockstars. She would even complete maths homework for her brother Jamie when he wanted to watch the world cup on TV! When she would go into school she would always come home smiling and excited to tell us all how she had been cheeky with her class mates and to her teacher who she was very fond of.

Xanthias last chapter in her life was filled with fun and exciting days out, treats and making life long memories for all, no matter how short they may have been. The support we as a family received from various charities was amazing however, there was one charity that rose above the rest. This charity is Young Lives Vs Cancer. They provided support to the family which ranged from emotional support to financial support. We were offered days out, accommodation in Pauls house during radiotherapy treatment, put in touch with other charities who could help write Xanthias final chapter and support with day to day admin like applying for disabled badges (which seems so simple but when your world has been turned inside out even the smallest and most simple tasks sometimes seem impossible to deal with and come to terms with). We squeezed as much in as we could as a family to make the last few months as fun and exciting as we could. We were determine for Xanthia to go out with a bang and I really believe we achieve this with the help and support provided by Young lives Vs Cancer.

Xanthia passed away on 2nd November 2023. As a father I do not have the choice to quit or feel sorry for myself. I am now living my life for not just me but also Xanthia who did not have the chance to experience life to its fullest. I am so indebted to Young Lives Vs Cancer. I am raising as much money as I can for this charity as I know the money will be used to support other families who sadly find themselves in my situation. I will be completing various fund raising events in Xanthias name so please give generously as the funds raised really do help not only children with cancer but also their loved ones who are left behind.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about the most amazing little girl and the support Young Lives Vs Cancer provides.