Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
In November 2003, my son Jacob was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, this is a form of cancer which grows within the eye itself and can lead to the removal of the eye or even worse, cancer infecting the spinal cord. I can only describe the 6-9 months after this as the most horrific in my life.
Jacob, was only 7 months old and proceeded to receive chemotherapy together with various checks, in and out of hospital with some minor operations linked with the treatment. To see you own flesh and blood go through such a traumatic experience - is absolutely devastating to say the least.... I would have cut off my right arm if it would have made him better and stopped the treatment!
Thankfully, Jacob is better now, he goes for regular check ups and is doing normal 'boys' things! He has peripheral vision only in the left eye due to the cancer and full vision in his right.
Many children have suffered much worse than Jacob and to this end, every year I am committed to raise money for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust to assist with the awareness and potential 'one day' cure for this and other related cancers which approximately 1500 children are diagnosed with every year.
It is the least I can do as I am in belated awe of the nurses, staff and all the work the childhood Eye Cancer Trust do everyday for so many children suffering from such a terrible disease.
In May 2009 - I cycled from Lands End to John O'Groats and started my personal fund raising campaign, in May 2010 - I again took to the saddle and cycled over 850 miles from London to Biarritz in 8 days with the aim to raise over £10k. In September 2010, again on two wheels I cycled from London to Paris raising just over £5,000.
Now its time for the next challenge....to climb Kilimanjaro.....an altitude of 5850 metres no less over an expedition of 9 days!!! The challenge starts on the 1st June 2011 and I return (hopefully in one piece) on the 11th .....I'll keep you posted on the journey as we go.....!!
So please dig deep and make a contribution no matter how small .....it all helps so much! You will help children lead better lives for the future!!
Thank you so much for all you do!!
Very best wishes......
James (Jacob's Dad)
