On 31^st March 2011 two police officers will commence an endurance event beyond comparison, to raise funds for a 6 year old boy, Felix, who has an aggressive childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.  A ground breaking oncolytic virus trial could save his life, but this treatment is only available in the United States.  Felix’s family now have to raise £250,000 to help Felix get the treatment he needs.

The Marathon des Sables is a 6 day / 151 mile (243km) endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco, commencing 31st March and concluding 11^th April 2011.

Two Metropolitan Police officers will attempt to complete this event to raise funds so Felix, through the registered charity J-A-C-K - Joining Against Cancer in Kids.

Mark Harber (currently based at the Flying Squad, Barnes) is an experienced runner and triathlete and has raised thousands of pounds for charities over the last 15 years.   Even to Mark, this event proves a huge challenge, but the cause is why he continues to endure the rigid training to qualify for the event.  Felix, at 6 years old should have his whole life before him.

Gary Randall (currently based at Camden) is a not so experienced runner but he too will do whatever it takes to try and raise awareness and funds to help Felix access treatment not available in the UK, to give him a chance of life.

The Marathon des Sables event is run over 6 days - it is equivalent to 5 ½ regular marathons.  The event is run on sand, and is one of the most enduring challenges in existence.  The officers must carry everything they will need for the duration on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag, etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.  They will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F,  while running on mainly sand but including uneven rocky, stony ground in combination with sand dunes.

On the 4th day, competitors set off across the wilderness to complete a 45 – 50 mile stage. Few people complete this before darkness and some will not come in till after dark the following night. This is followed by the 42km Marathon stage.  This is a gruelling test of endurance.

ABOUT FELIX

On February 14th, 2009 Felix was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, a particularly rare and aggressive childhood cancer. The tumour grew initially on the adrenal gland, in his abdomen, and then spread to his skull and bone marrow.

Felix has undergone 19 rounds of chemotherapy, surgery and therapeutic internal radiotherapy, followed by high dose chemotherapy, and mucositis, leading to weeks of pain, vomiting, and numerous mouth and throat ulcers.  Following High Dose chemo, Felix had stem cell transplant, and further radiotherapy.  He then endured 5 cycles of Ch14.18 antibody,  a very painful and difficult treatment involving more than 50 needle infusions.  Felix concluded treatment in October 2010, where he was finally shown NED [No Evidence of Disease].  At conclusion of treatment he remained the Happy and loving child he had been prior to diagnosis..

Devastatingly, Felix relapsed in January 2011.  Scans showed tumours in both lung and also in his spine. 

There are no relapse protocols in the UK or Europe.  In the United states there are numerous relapse protocols available.  Felix’s only hope now, remains in yet more chemotherapy to remove the new tumours and to enrol in groundbreaking new therapy, involving an oncolytic virus capable of killing the cancerous cells, but only available in the United States.  The family are working closely with the US Oncologist Prof Giselle Sholler. Felix’s family have little choice, their child is first and foremost, they will move Felix, his twin brother Elliott and their sister  Grace to the United States and will do everything they can to save his life, if they can only raise the necessary funds.

UK Insurance is not applicable to treatments abroad.  The family are now forced to fundraise.  The cost of treatment in the U.S. is £250,000.00

Felix and his family have suffered much;  Please help these officers in their huge efforts to help Felix.  EVERY PENNY COUNTS - NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL.