Charity sponsorship season is in full swing, and I've made the mistake of signing up for the Blenheim Triathlon on June 5th. Probably won't be a pleasant experience, but is for a very worthy group called Scarlett's Dragons, which supports and raises money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma research (Scarlett is a my colleague's friend's daughter, see her story below). I lost my grandfather to leukaemia, and the group supports those living with this and other blood cancers today.

The last 28 years have not been kind to me. I was overly optimistic in signing up for this challenge and having recently had surgery, can't actually begin training till April. But I have a passion to perform and will endure to the bitter end! Any and all sponsorship is gratefully received.

Cheers,

Luca

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Scarlett’s story


Scarlett was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in January 2011.

ALL is the most common form of childhood cancer, affecting somewhere in the region of 500 children in the UK each year.
Treatment lasts an extremely long time – two years for girls and three for boys. Whilst the prognosis is generally good, around 20% of those children initially treated will go on to relapse.

Sadly, this is what has happened to Scarlett. She had been off treatment for just less than 6 months, when, in September 2013, her cancer returned.

Relapsed ALL is harder to treat than the initial disease, and the treatments much harsher. Scarlett underwent a grueling second round of treatment. From September 2013 until January 2014, Scarlett stayed at hospital, enduring relentless rounds of chemotherapy, steroids and radiotherapy. Throughout December, she barely came home at all, just managing Christmas Day at home before having to be rushed back to hospital at 9pm with a treatment related infection.

Having a child with cancer has a devastating impact, both for the child and their family. Scarlett, has already been having cancer treatment for a third of her life and remains under treatment today.

In 2014 Scarlett’s parents set up a group called Scarlett’s Dragons, which supports and raises money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma
Research.

Last year 165 “athletes” completed the Blenheim triathlon, a whole wave (decked out in turquoise and pink) was dedicated to one person – a very special little girl called Scarlett…..this year with your help we are aiming for 2 waves and 400 people!

Follow us on Facebook for
updates here https://www.facebook.com/Scarletts-Dragons-1381111482157973/