20/12/06 - Charlotte Shows The True Spirit Of Christmas Time

Last Christmas, even though she was undergoing gruelling chemotherapy sessions, Charlotte Renard designed a Christmas card the North Swindon Conservatives could be proud of.

In fact, the branch was so impressed with the nine-year-old's talents that they asked her to take on the design challenge again this year.

"It was fun doing the card and I really enjoyed it," said Charlotte, of Haydon Wick, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2004.

"I drew a Christmas tree and put writing and other Christmassy things on it.

"When I was in the paper last year lots of people at school came up and said they'd seen me."

Dad David, who is a Conservative councillor for Haydon Wick, said the whole family was very proud of Charlotte. 

"She has been really good through all of this and as a parent it has been really difficult seeing her suffer," he said.

"But she is now on a maintenance programme and finishes her treatment in March, so we just have to keep our fingers crossed."

Last year the North Swindon Conservative Association raised £500 for Swindon CALM, and they hope to do the same again this year.

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

Coun Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) said: "We are extremely proud that once again Charlotte has helped to raise money for Swindon CALM.

"She is an exceptionally brave child who, despite everything, is always willing to help others."

Swindon Advertiser 20/12/06