I am running the South London 10K race on 27th February 2011 for my sister-in-law, Lilly.

 

Lilly Gonda

Lilly Gire Gonda is a 25 year old lady living in Uganda where there is no National Health Service. Like many young people, Lilly has no health insurance. In November 2009 Lilly’s father tragically passed away. Almost exactly a year later in autumn 2010 Lilly was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 

 

Before her diagnosis Lilly was actively pursuing scholarship opportunities to study Law in the US, inspired by her sister who studied fashion in the UK and is now married to a certain UCL scientist you may know...

 

Lilly's mother and late father are from South Sudan, which recently voted for its independence. Unfortunately, although eligible, Lilly was unable to vote in the January 2011 referendum due to her illness. However, with 98.83% voting in favour of independence Lilly is not too worried about the impact of her lost vote. 

I am now fundraising for Lilly's chemotherapy treatment through Uganda Cancer Trust UK.

 

Hodgkin's lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer originating from white blood cells called lymphocytes. It was named after Thomas Hodgkin, who first described abnormalities in the lymph system in 1832. The survival rate for those receiving the correct treatment can be as high as 90%. With chemotherapy being so effective, the most critical factor for most people diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma worldwide is simply affording the treatment. 

 

This is precisely why your donations are so valuable and helpful. They will go directly to funding Lilly's rounds of chemo. Seven rounds of chemo have been planned by Lilly's clinician and so far it is 3 down, 4 to go.

 

Donations

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

So please dig deep and donate now.