Mother's fundraiser after tragic deaths of identical twins

The mother of identical twin baby girls who died after being struck down with an aggressive childhood cancer is fundraising to thank the charity which continues to help after her family's world fell apart.
Neve & Belle BoitelleNeve & Belle Boitelle
Neve & Belle Boitelle

Parents Clare and Darren Boitelle learned on May 5 2013 – when twins Neve and Belle were just five-months-old – that both were suffering from infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Tragically, Neve died aged just six-months-old on May 20 2013 and Belle lost her fight for life aged two-years-and-four-months in March 2015.

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Mrs Boitelle, of Morley, is set to walk the Yorkshire Three Peaks on May 28 with family and friends to raise cash for childhood cancer charity The Candlelighters Trust, based at Leeds General Infirmary.

Clare and Darren Boitelle with son Hiro.Clare and Darren Boitelle with son Hiro.
Clare and Darren Boitelle with son Hiro.

She said: “When you enter the childhood cancer journey you enter into this unknown world feeling alone and isolated. If you are fortunate to have your child treated at the LGI in Leeds you will join a family that will never leave your side.

“You’ll meet other families in similar situations. Although everybody’s journey is unique and individual to them, being supported by Candlelighters enables families in our situation to lean on each other.

“This is now our new family. And it’s the only family that really gets it.”

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Neve weighed 3lb and Belle 2lb 12oz when they were born two months early at Leeds General Infirmary on November 10, 2012.

Clare and Darren Boitelle with son Hiro.Clare and Darren Boitelle with son Hiro.
Clare and Darren Boitelle with son Hiro.

Both babies spent two months in the special care baby unit at St James’s Hospital. Neve fell ill and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary on May 5, 2013, when the family were told she was suffering from infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Mr and Mrs Boitelle asked doctors to examine Belle as she was displaying similar symptoms. Belle was diagnosed as suffering from the same cancer that day.

To sponsor Mrs Boitelle, go to www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Clare-Boitelle2.