Family members of Rufus Palmer are taking on a half marathon this spring, as a “small gesture of thanks for the incredible” work of a children’s cancer charity.

Jamie Bryan, Rufus Palmer’s uncle, and his father Gordon Bryan, 63, are taking on the Cardiff half marathon this March to raise vital funds for the Welsh children’s cancer charity Latch, “small gesture of thanks for the incredible work they do and for personally supporting my nephew and his family”.

Eight-year-old Rufus Palmer, from Aberystwyth, relapsed with Leukaemia in November 2021.

After a successful course of immunotherapy in Cardiff, Rufus and his family are awaiting news on a possible stem cell donor for a transplant later this month.

While this is Gordon’s first time running the Cardiff half marathon, for Jamie, 34, this will be his second time running for Latch: “I have ran for Latch when they were supporting my nephew, Rufus, and his family when he was first diagnosed with Leukaemia four years ago.

“In November 2021, Rufus relapsed and his Leukaemia had returned. As I enjoy running and playing football locally for Borth FC, and generally keeping active, I thought what a great way to raise funds again for Latch along with my dad, Gordon Bryan, who lives in Suffolk.

“Within hours of the family finding out Rufus has relapsed, Latch were in contact and supporting the family.

“Latch support the families along with the children that are battling through their cancer treatment, not only with financial support and guidance but emotionally as well.

“On average, Latch needs to raise £700,000 a year to cover the costs of supporting families. With no paid fundraisers they rely on the hard work of volunteers.

“They are able to keep families together with accommodation on-site at hospital, which is great to have as a base for the families with not having to worry about costs of travelling and hotel accommodation.

“We’d love to be able to give back to the charity by raising as much as possible as a small gesture of thanks for the incredible work they do and for personally supporting my nephew and his family.

“If your able to donate, no matter how small or big that donation may be, it will help.

“Me and my dad are looking forward to running the Cardiff half marathon, and the event itself with crowds of people cheering participants on. This will be my dad’s first Cardiff half and my second. Seeing any donations coming in will help us with our training during the run up to the event.”

So far, Jamie, who lives in Capel Dewi, has raised £160 of his £500 goal on gofundme.

Rosie Palmer, Rufus’ mum, said: “Jamie has supported and fundraised for Latch before and we are thrilled he is going to do it again.

“We don’t know where we would be without their love and support, they feel like part of our family now!”

To donate to Jamie and Gordon, please go to https://gofund.me/1cec7d7a.