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Fergus's Tree of Hope
fergus's tree of hope
hello
The story of Fergus's Tree of Hope starts with a boy called Fergus who loved to play, run and tease his Mum.
When Fergus was 11 years old, we were told that he had Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. After many months of gruelling treatment and surgery, Fergus's cancer returned and there were no more options. He died on May 22nd, 2022 just days before his 13th birthday.
Above all else, Fergus is loved, and his memory is cherished by everyone who knew him. Fergus's Tree of Hope, grown from the felled Sycamore Gap tree, reminds us of our boy's resilience and the need for all children with cancer and their families to have a second chance at life.
We all can do better. Read on to see what you can do.
what canI do?
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Give blood.
No child gets through cancer treatment without needing blood or platelets.
https://my.blood.co.uk/where-to-donate -
Learn the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer
I have yet to meet any parent who thought it would happen to them. Chances are, it won't, but if you love or work with children, spare 5 minutes of your time to learn to spot the signs.
https://www.gkcct.org/you-know-them-best-campaign-copy/ -
Do you run a company or organisation? If so, you could make a difference by linking
You can tell your story in any way that suits you. Nothing is off-limits- it's your and your child's story.
Submissions- either in writing or recorded- will be read then analysed collectively (using narrative research techniques and software) to look for patterns and themes. Findings will be made available to all participants as well as the research, medical and charity sectors. You are asked to sign a consent form before you submit any contribution which can be found at the bottom of this page.
If it would be helpful, you can find a framework here..
Wherever you are in the world, however much or little you want to say, your contribution is valuable.
As a fellow parent, I approach this work not as a researcher, but as a peer—someone who understands the heartbreak and the strength it takes to tell these stories.
what does it involve?
participant information
This explains more about the aims of the project, what taking part involves, and how your contribution will be used. If you would like to contribute, please read it carefully.
What is this project about?
The Osteosarcoma Listening Project is a peer-led research initiative. I’m asking parents and carers to write or talk about their child: Their life and interests before diagnosis, to the very early signs something was wrong, through treatment, and beyond. In insolation things may not seem relevant or only appeared relevant to you in hindsight, but taken together they may reveal things that traditional research has missed, or not thought to ask.
The aim is to see if lived experience reveals insights, or allows overlooked questions to emerge that could contribute meaningfully to our wider understating of the disease.
Even if there is just one thing you want to say right now, please take part.
Who can take part?
Anyone who is a parent, carer or guardian of a child who has had a diagnosis of osteosarcoma.
How can I take part?
You can contribute to the project in one of three ways:
•Written submission: write your story or thoughts at your leisure and email it to me.
•Audio recording: You can record your story and send the file.
•Interview: I can arrange a time to speak with you (via phone or online), and I will guide the conversation with open questions which you can review in advance. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed.
You can say as much or as little as you wish. There are no right or wrong”answers — the focus is on your child, and your lived experience. There is a framework that you can use or refer to if you wish.
What happens then?
Your submission will be:
• Stored securely and treated with care.
•Analysed alongside others' using qualitative research methods.
•Used to look for shared themes, patterns or insights that may inform future research into osteosarcoma. With your permission, short quotes may be included in reports, on the project website, or shared with researchers. All submissions will be anonymised.
Do I need to sign anything?
Yes — you are asked to fill in a short consent form before your story is included in the research. This confirms that you understand the project and agree to take part.
You can withdraw your consent at any time without giving a reason.
Questions?
If you have any questions please email: info@oslisteningproject.com
consent form
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