It’s nearly two years to the day since Alice was first diagnosed and although she finds herself in a similar situation treatment wise, she is more determined than ever. As radiotherapy on her head does its job, Alice’s hair begins to fall out until she can’t bear the itch any longer and gets it all shaved off. Race for life day arrives as Alice and her mum proudly walk the walk for Rhabdo and successfully reach the finish line, an achievement in itself! Pain in Alice’s back causes concern until a series of scans reveal the underlying problem- a tumour in her spine and frustratingly, it’s back in her bone marrow once more. Never one to stay down for long, Alice isn’t looking forward to more chemo, but is eager to start treatment and start fighting again. As Alice talks us through her treatment plan, she explains how frustrated and shocked she feels at the thought of the cancer being back in her bone marrow and can’t understand why it keeps coming back. Instead of a Hickman line, this time round Alice has a portacath fitted in preparation for chemo and starts to get ready for her time in hospital, which surprisingly Alice is looking forward to, mainly so she can get it done and get on with her life once more.

Gavin gives us a tour of the place he spent quite a bit of time…Belfast City Hospital, showing us various features and giving us a running commentary of what life is like when you are living in hospital surroundings constantly. Gavin’s mum also talks about life in hospital, and explains how you just have to take each day as it comes as some days are better than others. The view from Gavin’s room is an impressive one, with views of the city all around…a bit like a five star hotel really! Gavin talks about how important it is to stay positive and how keeping in contact with friends and family is vital to keep your spirits up. During his time in hospital, Gavin also explains how he got through over 100 DVD’s- an impressive number even for the most avid film watcher!

It’s all go go go as both radiotherapy and exams get underway and Alice prepares for the busy schedule ahead of her. With radiotherapy everyday for the next 4 ½ weeks, Alice explains how she can’t wait to get it all over and done with and get on with life as normal. On the foot front, a successful period of driving again without any pain fills Alice with bundles of confidence and relief at the thought of finally being crutch free. After missing it first time round due to previous treatment, an apprehensive Alice prepares for her maths exam and reports back after to tell us how it went… with complete success of course! A weekend away in London with friends at the Give It A Name festival comes as a welcome break from treatment and exams and gives Alice a chance to see some of her all time favourite bands play, even if a late night getting back home does cause sore eyes the next day! As Alice’s tough schedule of radiotherapy continues, she explains how treatment isn’t what’s worrying her most. In true Alice form, passing her exams and continuing with revision are her main concerns, even with the side effects of treatment causing her to feel tired and lethargic… leaving us wondering where she gets her energy from!

In this honest and emotional portrayal of how watching a sibling go through cancer treatment can harbour all sorts of powerful thoughts and emotions, Tom describes, through the process of writing down his hopes and fears in a letter, how seeing his brother George being diagnosed for the third time has affected his life. Stating that sometimes he just wants to stay put and be with his friends as it gives him a feeling of normality, Tom admits to a whole host of feelings that he says he couldn’t talk about in person, as he finds it hard to find the right words at times. As well as talking about his brother, Tom explains how important his Mum’s presence in his life is and through a selection of personal and uplifting photos, documents the relationship they have as a family.