19/12/05 - North Swindon Christmas Card

A love of art keeps smile on her face

Brave Charlotte designs Tories festive card

Swindon Advertiser

Brave Charlotte Renard has turned to art to help beat leukaemia.

The eight year-old of Haydon Wick, is undergoing gruelling chemotherapy sessions.

But she is determined not to let her spirits wane – and art is helping to keep a smile on her face.

Dad David, 45, is a Conservative councillor for Haydon Wick.

And when party members heard about Charlotte’s brave battle with leukaemia and flair for art they invited her to design their official Christmas card.

Proceeds from sales will go to the local charity CALM, which helps youngsters with all types of cancer and leukaemia.

The Haydonleigh primary school pupil was yesterday recovering from a chemotherapy session.

But Coun Renard said his daughter was delighted to design the festive card which will be sent to members across Swindon and further afield. “She jumped at the chance,” he said.

“Charlotte has always had a big passion for art.

“My colleagues at the Council have been very supportive of me and my family.”

Charlotte was diagnosed with leukaemia in December 2004.

Since then, she has spent two weeks at Bristol Children’s Hospital and attended more than 30 hospital appointments at GWH.

Coun Renard said it has been a difficult time for him and wife, Bonnie, 49, as wel las their other children Jennifer, 11 and seven year old William.

“With leukaemia you are officially in remission after a month but it can come back at any time.” He said.

“I would like to pay tribute to Dr Price and all the other wonderful staff at Great Western Hospital who have helped my family.”

North Swindon Conservative Association expects to raise £500 for CALM.

The charity’s main objectives are to improve the quality of life for child sufferers, while also providing support to families during the often long and painful treatment and beyond.

CALM is managed and administered by parents of child sufferers on a purely voluntary basis with support from medical and other professionals.

The charity has donated more than £40,000 to Bristol-based bone marrow research.

Helen Willstead, of CALM, said: “I think it is fantastic that someone who is having such a difficult time herself is thinking of others. We are very grateful for the family’s support.”