In May 2008 friends Joseph Millington and Daniel Poole will set off for East Coast USA, from where they will cycle across an entire continent to raise money for Bone Cancer Research Trust. After pedalling over three and a half thousand miles, the pair intend to hit San Francisco on the Pacific Coast in early August: tired, thin, hairy, hopefully still physically capable of siring children, but definitely with panniers stuffed full of cash for charity. To follow the journey so far and visit their blog click on the text above.
In February 2007, Hannah Millington, Joseph's sister, was diagnosed with a type of Primary Bone Cancer called osteosarcoma. After 8 months of treatment that included 30 weeks of intensive chemotherapy and a limb salvage operation she is thankfully now in remission.www.halashawks.co.uk/Hannah
Around 400 young people develop bone cancer each year in the UK. Current treatment depends on the use of intensive chemotherapy, surgery, and in some cases radiotherapy. Treatment can extend over many months and, whilst many patients now survive, many do not. Primary Bone Cancers do not attract extensive research funding from the NHS or national cancer charities and there is little research into the causes of Primary Bone Cancer or into developing new treatments.
The Bone Cancer Research Trust was formed in 2005 as an alliance of a number of established local charities and groups of family and friends of Primary Bone Cancer Patients throughout Britain and Ireland. They share a common goal - to promote research into the causes and treatment of Primary Bone Cancer. Joseph and Daniel have set a high fundraising target of £20,000 that reflects not only the huge challege that lies before them but also the great importance of the cause for which they are raising money. Their efforts are dedicated to the many young people in hospital wards throughout the UK currently fighting Primary Bone Cancer; to those who have survived; to the families of those who have not; and to the memory of those who are no longer with us. May the courage of these young people be an inspiration to us all. Thank you for your generosity. It is greatly appreciated. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Bone Cancer Research Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
