Beefy's walk for Leukaemia Research

                    

With this post I would like the opportunity to promote one particular person who is dedicated to raising awareness for Leukaemia Research and also raising as much money as he possibly can. Sir Ian Botham did his first walk for Leukaemia research twenty-five years ago and this year,marking Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research's fiftieth anniversary.

He will be walking through ten towns for ten consecutive days,starting each days walk at Marks and Spencer stores,each day a child with Leukaemia will be walking with him.

I've taken this information from his web-site :-

Beefy’s 25th Anniversary Walk 10-19th April 2010

Sir Ian Botham is walking to beat childhood leukaemia 25 years after his first legendary walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

One child with leukaemia will join him each day to start the walk – the children will gather in London on 4th March to meet Beefy ahead of April’s walk.

Ian Shepherd, 5 – will join Beefy on the 10 April in Manchester

Ian Shepherd was just three years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after collapsing at playgroup. Ian from Stockport, responded well to treatment at The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and is currently undergoing maintenance chemotherapy which he is due to finish in 18 months time. Mum, Claire, says: “Ian’s a right little character: the treatment has been difficult and stressful at times but he’s been amazing, so strong”.

Jack Groom, 8 - will join Beefy on the 11 April in Birmingham

Jack Groom from Norton Canes was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2006 after doctors ordered blood tests to investigate a persistent infection. Jack, now eight, suffered some rare side effects to chemotherapy. The punishing treatment damaged the nerves in Jack’s legs meaning that he now uses a wheelchair to travel long distances. Linda says: “Jack’s dealt fantastically with everything. He’s just a happy little boy who doesn’t let things get him down - most of the time he takes the chair for a walk rather than sitting in it!”

Maddi Green, 10 – will join Beefy on the 12 April Worcester

Maddi Green from Worcester was diagnosed with leukaemia in February 2008. Despite losing her long brown hair to chemo, Maddi is doing well and, poignantly, is due to finish her treatment in April, the same month as Beefy’s walk. Dad Jerry says: “We will be walking with Sir Ian Botham to raise money and awareness for the charity – because we will never forget that single day that changed our lives.”

Lauren Manning was only four when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Lauren from Bristol had become withdrawn and prone to falling asleep and when doctors ordered an urgent blood test they discovered she had blood cancer. Lauren’s treatment was an extremely anxious time for the family, but Lauren has responded well to treatment and has been in remission since January. Mum Nicky says: “Lauren can’t wait to meet Sir Ian Botham, if it wasn’t for him we might be telling a very different story.

Tom Cowpe (6) - will join Beefy 14 April in Winchester

Tom Cowpe, who will be joining Beefy in Winchester, was just five years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Mum, Sam, sought medical advice after Tom’s temperature began to fluctuate and he struggled to make it through a day at school because of tiredness. Tom has endured intensive chemotherapy and bouts of pneumonia but has remained strong and is due to finish treatment in January 2012. Sam says: “Tom has been through years of pain and discomfort but he’s just got on with it. He’s been brilliant. Everyone at the hospital thinks he’s such a star”.

Sam Masters (7) – will join Beefy 15 April in Epsom

Sam Masters, from Fetcham was four years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. After a bruise to his neck developed into a lump, Sam was sent to hospital by his doctor to begin the treatment which he will complete later this year. The ordeal has left Sam’s parents determined to help beat childhood leukaemia. Mum Debbie says: “When we first heard the news we were just so angry – it shouldn’t have happened to our little boy, it shouldn’t happen to any child”.

Grace Davies (5) – will join Beefy 16 April in Reading

Grace Davies from Thatcham was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in February 2008. When strange marks started appearing all over Grace’s body, her anxious parents took her to A&E, where they learned she had blood cancer. Grace was just three years old. Though painful, Grace’s treatment has been successful and will be coming to an end in April. Dad, Paul says: “Grace is doing really well. The effects of chemotherapy are truly devastating and no child should have to go through what we’ve seen Grace go through.

Bradley Smith (6) – will join Beefy 17 April in Milton Keynes

Bradley Smith from Milton Keynes was four when he collapsed at home in 2007 and was subsequently diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.? After battling through 14 months of chemotherapy, Bradley is now on a maintenance program scheduled to conclude in December 2010. Mum Arwen says, “Bradley’s been absolutely amazing. He’s been taking everything in his stride. We’re all really looking forward to joining Sir Ian on the walk so no child in the future has to go through this pain.”

Maisie Rose Speller (4) - will join Beefy 18 April in Chelmsford

Three-year-old Maisie Rose Speller, from Braintree near Chelmsford was a toddler when she was diagnosed with leukaemia and taken for intensive treatment at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital. Maisie’s depleted immune system has left her vulnerable to other problems like shingles and chicken pox, but she is doing well and due to finish her treatment later this year. Dad Matthew says: “The work that Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research does is so invaluable, but we need strive for 100 percent survival – that’s why we’re joining Beefy”.

Joe Smale (12) - will join Beefy 19 April in London

Twelve-year-old Joe Smale, from Chiswick has battled leukaemia twice. First diagnosed with leukaemia, aged two, Joe immediately underwent an intensive course of treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The three years of treatment were initially successful, but in 2007 the family were dealt a terrible shock when it emerged that the leukaemia had returned. The second period in hospital was extremely tough for Joe, who’s now in remission, because he was old enough to understand his condition. Debbie says: “While survival rates have improved – we’re still not there yet. We need 100% success.”

Check out Sir Ian Bothams route and go along and support him!