Gold Geese: Honouring Essex's cancer charity for children

Gold Geese, a children’s charity, has helped more than 100 families since its launch in 2018.

Offering tailored support including mental health therapy, respite trips, assistance with hospital transportation and alimentary expenses, the charity helps support those affected by childhood cancer in south Essex.

Their activities over the past six years have constituted nearly 350 counselling sessions, multiple respite trips spanning from Legoland to London Zoo, twenty end of treatment celebrations and parties and numerous hospital food and toy deliveries.

Charity - Gold train to London Zoo for families affected by childhood cancer (Image: Gold Geese)

Katie Southgate, founder and CEO of Gold Geese, said: "We originally started out as Hattie’s Heroes which was a community rallying to support our own family’s childhood cancer journey.

"Six years ago we launched the charity with the aim of supporting every local child affected by cancer and encouraging more people to recognise the signs and symptoms as they can be similar to other childhood illnesses.

"We have grown from strength to strength because of the incredible support of our local community so we want to say a huge thank you to all our supporters and volunteers.

"You power us so we can be there for families and we are so grateful."

Ahmed Ali, a 10-year-old from Westcliff, was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma at the age of seven.

Strong - Ahmed Ali from Westcliff (Image: Gold Geese)

His mother, Fatima, said: "Gold Geese have been a huge support to the whole family.

"One of the most memorable times out for the children was going to London Zoo on the Gold Geese train.

"The children still talk about the day so fondly now.

"Gold Geese has been the calm in such a horrific storm.

"Each time one hits, Gold Geese have been there to support, guide and ride the wave with us.

"It can be a very scary, lonely journey filled with so much fear and uncertainty.

"And when you are feeling that blow and someone comes to hold your hand it has such an enormous impact."

Christina, whose daughter Skye was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia two years ago, has now just finished treatment.

Christina added: "We couldn’t have done this journey without Gold Geese.

"What Gold Geese do is invaluable.

Support - Skye with her mum and brother at her end of treatment party (Image: Gold Geese)

"They made everything just that little bit better when life was unbearable.

"We are all beyond grateful."

To donate to Gold Geese, visit www.goldgeese.org.