A family from Bishopsteignton said they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support of the local community after a mum of four was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia.

Charlotte Taylor was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) earlier this month and faces a long hospital stay as she undergoes an intensive treatment plan.

Her husband, Sam, has had to stop his self-employed offshore job so he can support Charlotte through the treatment and take care of their four children: 13-year-old Boe, nine-year-old Bear and four-year-old twins River and Remi.

Sam’s sister, Chelsey Lawson, has launched a GoFundMe page to help support the family, which has already generated nearly £13,000. The money will be used to support the family while Sam is not working.

‘The treatment could take up to two years and she will potentially need a bone marrow transplant,’ Chelsey explained. ‘I’m raising money so they don’t have to worry about anything.’

Charlotte was initially diagnosed with ALL on July 7 and she is currently in Torbay Hospital undergoing an intensive 28-day chemotherapy treatment plan. As part of this, she will chemotherapy via a lumbar puncture to target her spine and brain.

Later this month, Charlotte will undergo a bone marrow biopsy. If all goes well, she may be allowed home for a few days before returning to hospital for another 28-day round of treatment.

Due to infection control protocols, very little is allowed in Charlotte’s hospital room, and eventually, she will not be permitted to leave it either.

Charlotte’s diagnosis came as ‘a complete shock’, Chelsey said. ‘But everyone is finding their feet and starting to get their heads round it,’ she added. ‘Everyone has rallied round and the family has been completely overwhelmed by the support they have received from the wider community.’

Chelsey describes Charlotte as a devoted mother who spends her days caring for her children: encouraging Boe’s dreams of becoming a ballerina, supporting Bear’s wild and wonderful ideas, and exploring new adventures with energetic twins, River and Remi. All while maintaining a loving home and caring for their two cats, Luna and Mango.

Sam works offshore for half the year and was about to leave for a six-week job in Australia when Charlotte was diagnosed. He has now decided to stay at home for the foreseeable future to support Charlotte through treatment and ensure stability for the children.

The family had taken out critical illness insurance. However, a previous health scare after Charlotte discovered a lump in her breast, which was thankfully benign, has left them without cover in the event of a serious diagnosis like this.

‘With Sam now unable to work and their income halted, they are facing growing anxiety over household bills and day-to-day living expenses, on top of the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis and the long road ahead,’ Chelsey explained as the reason for setting up the fundraiser.

‘Since sharing her diagnosis, Charlotte has been overwhelmed with messages of love, encouragement, and positivity. Each one has given her strength during this challenging time. She is truly grateful for every word of support,’ Chelsey reported.