This fund was set up 12 years ago by our Treasurer's son
Jeremy Spratt, who who died of bone cancer at the age of 22. Shortly before
he died he decided that he wanted to raise money for further research
into bone cancers and also to provide teenagers with cancer the benefit
of separate wards and facilities during their treatment, something which
was not available to himself. He named the fund "Get a Life".
He expressed what this meant to him written in a verse the morning he
died. He believed that being confronted with terminal illness can open
up ones life to new beginnings and more possibilities. He felt that to
gain this awareness should make a patient want to live and live to the
full. There is a lesson for us all - don't wait until you're dead, get
a life!
With a view to fund raising, he went to see his old school, Leeds Grammar
School, and told them his story. As a result, the school held a sponsored
walk and raised over £30,000, which went towards the establishment
of the teenage oncology ward 10T at St. James's Hospital, Leeds.
It is a known fact that within the proper environment such as the specialist
teenage units, the chances of young patients recovering from cancer have
improved by 15%. The Teenage Cancer Trust raises money for building teenage
units in NHS hospitals throughout the country, of which there are now
8, including Ward 10T. A new ward is now planned as part of the new oncology
wing at Jimmy's, which will open in 2008.
The money raised by Get a Life goes towards giving the youngsters in 10T
the additional comforts and treats, which they would not get otherwise.
It has helped to provide computers, TV's, DVD players, game consoles and
all that goes with these items to give them a comfortable environment
where they can relax and meet family and friends.
Jeremy had a vision and much of it is coming to fruition, but the research
into bone cancers is not progressing so quickly. Cancer is the most common
cause of non-accidental death in teens and young adults and by the age
15 there is a 1 in 600 chance of developing the disease. By the age 24,
there is a 1 in 285 chance. The incidence of cancer in teens and young
adults has increased by 50% in the last 30 years. There is still much
to be done.
Practical Help: We have assisted by undertaking landscaping tasks on the farm, by fund raising and by working with residents to help to develop their communication skills. For more information visit www.caringforlife.co.uk
- The Aquabox Disaster Box appeal
The club has arranged a number of events to support Aquabox. This project
was initiated by Wirksworth Rotary club and has greatly expanded. The Aquaboxes
themselves are designed to be used as water purifiers to produce large volumes
of potable water from local polluted supplies. Each box, with additional
filters, allows a village to have clean water for several months. The boxes
are sent to disaster areas and they are packed with other goods needed for
the particular disaster. For more information visit www.aquabox.org/
Information about the work of the Trust can be found at www.sylviawright.org/
- Emmaus
This is a charity that seeks to create self-supporting communities, where homeless and unemployed people can feel safe and secure, where they can enjoy companionship and the support of a community. The Leeds Community has recently acquired premises where work will deal mainly with the collection, refurbishment and resale of donated furniture and household goods. Everyone living within the Community signs off primary benefits to work full time within the business, with profits donated to those in greater need.
Headingley Rotary has raised funds through running stalls on Open Days. To find out more about Emmaus, visit www.emmaus.org.uk
- St. Gemmas & Sue Ryder Wheatfields - hospices and St. George's Crypt
www.st-gemma.co.uk/
www.suerydercare.org/
www.stgeorgesleeds.org.uk/