MY STORY:

My son, Sam, aged 16 years old, was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma, affecting only 30 children in the UK each year. Sam has been receiving treatment at one of six sarcoma centres in the UK, the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) Hospital, Teenage Cancer Unit, which is using pioneer treatment to cure Sam and save his life. I cannot convey in words to describe how outstanding every member of the staff is, from his Oncologist Consultant, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Consultant Anaesthetists, Doctors, Nurses, House Keepers, Psychologist, Physiotherapists, Holistic Therapist, and Teen Age Cancer coordinator.

Sam has and continues to undergo an aggressive chemotherapy treatment plan before and following an extensive extraction of his right femur replaced by a donor bone, which has significantly impacted his mobility. He has had and continues to have numerous hospital admissions in between his Chemotherapy and multiple blood and platelet transfusions.

Sam has faced decisions and undergone procedures that no 16-year-old should have to. His life changed dramatically overnight. However, throughout this rollercoaster ride, he has shown immense grit, determination, and absolute resolve. In a nutshell, he is bloody fantastic, not just my son but my hero.

Sam has been focusing on working and looking forward to life after treatment, rehabilitation and cancer, which has been his driving force. One of Sam's life after-cancer wishes is to explore America in July/August 2025 upon having completed all of his rehabilitation.

My dear friends, 'The Townsends' and I are trying to make Sam's wish to explore America come true by raising as much money as possible to pay for Sam's 2025 tour of America, cancer and treatment free over the next five months. I will be kick-starting the fundraising by challenging myself to complete a 'Wing Walk' at Leeds Airport on 23rd May 2024.