This month, LATCH is proud to launch a new Handbook for each and every family of a child with cancer and leukaemia we currently support.

The key component of the Handbook is a diary which can be used to record essential treatment information and future appointments – something so very simple but so necessary when dealing with complex treatment plans, medications and appointments.

With many of our families coming from as far west as Aberystwyth, and the vast majority of them being unfamiliar with Cardiff, the handbook also provides a wealth of information on the University Hospital of Wales, key hospital staff, local shops and cafes, doctors surgeries, supermarkets, fast food outlets, and much more.

The Handbook has been created in collaboration with LATCH Ambassador, Bec Pugh, who offered a unique insight into the needs of families, as well as a great deal of local knowledge.

Bec commented: “With treatment lasting from a year to three years and beyond, it’s understandable that stress and worry can make remembering even the simplest information impossible, and I’m so pleased to have been a part of shaping the latest version of this very special Handbook. I’d encourage everyone to use it regularly so that every piece of information they need to refer back to is in one easy-to-find place.”

She continued: “It’s been an absolute honour working with the LATCH Team on this wonderful resource as I know how invaluable I found the previous incarnation when my daughter was undergoing treatment a few years ago.”