Daughter's race to fund miracle drug for father
A NEWMARKET woman has started a campaign to raise £22,500 to help fund a 'miracle' bowel cancer drug for her father after being told the NHS would not pay for the treatment
Twenty- four-year-old Leonie Leonard, of Greville Starkey Avenue, is hoping to raise the five-figure sum to buy life-prolonging drug Avastin for her 48-year-old father Mick who was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in July.
After being told the news on July 20, Mildenhall resident and father-of-eight Mick underwent an emergency operation at West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds seven days later.
Following the operation by a team of doctors from Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, it was found that the cancer had spread to various other organs in his body.
The drug, which is not available through the NHS, is given to patients with advanced cancer where tumours have spread to other parts of the body.
Unlike chemotherapy it is able to destroy tumours without harming the normal healthy cells nearby.
"Although the NHS have downplayed the drug's effect, many cancer specialists and charities claim that the drug can prolong life expectancy for up to four years.
Leonie said: "It was quite a shock to find out that he had cancer as he has does not smoke or drink and is a complete fitness freak.
"He is a very proud man who has done a lot for his children and we want to pay him back."
In a bid to get the ball rolling, the former Mildenhall Upper School pupil is hoping to stage a concert and auction night at the White Hart Inn, in Newmarket later this year.
Already she has received the support of a number of Newmarket companies including Pride Hair and Beauty, Cazual clothes store and Scribbles, who have made donations for the auction, while talks are also at an advanced stage to get band Cupid's Wish to play at the event.
"This is just the first thing I have planned. Hopefully it will take place around October but I am just finalising the last few details at the minute.
"Companies have already shown a great level of support, which has been fantastic," said Leonie.
If anyone would like to help Leonie, contact Alison Hayes at the Journal on 01638 564104.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Newmarket
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
