Cutting Cornwall in Half (but it’s for a good cause!)

25th May 2010

Teenage Cancer Trust, the UK based charity devoted to improving the lives of young people with cancer, will benefit from a fundraising event that involves “cutting Cornwall in half” on Thursday 20 May.

With a fundraising target of £10,000, a group of 10 people will canoe up the River Fowey to Lostwithiel, march on to Bodmin, cycle to Wadebridge and then canoe down the River Camel to finish at Rock.

The participants are coming from as far-a-field as North Wales, Yorkshire and even Madrid.

Team leader Ian Fairbairn was full of praise for the support the group has had from local people and organisations. He said, “Everyone we have approached in Cornwall has been so helpful – from the Harbour Masters, Town councils and local businesses such as Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge and the Borough Arms at Dunmere.

“We want to say a special ‘thank you’ to Duchy College at Stoke Climsland and Cornwall Farmers at Roche, Duchy College have provided us with the canoes and safety equipment for the challenge and Cornwall Farmers, the local John Deere dealer, have provided logistical support and transportation. With everyone’s help we are on target to raise £10,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust”

Every day in the UK, six young people will face a cancer diagnosis. Teenage Cancer Trust understands that teenage cancer requires specialist care and in fact, that young people have a much better chance in their fight against cancer if they are treated by teenage cancer experts, in an environment tailored to their needs.

Teenage Cancer Trust builds units in NHS hospitals which improve the quality of life and chances of survival for young people (aged 13 to 24) with cancer. Unlike ‘ordinary’ hospital wards, they are designed specifically with teenagers in mind and include a recreational and study areas plus access to media facilities such as the internet, TV and music.

It is estimated that with the number of units currently around the UK, only half of the teenagers diagnosed with cancer now have access to this dedicated, specialist support. The charity’s aim is build enough units so that by 2012 every single teenager with cancer will be treated on one.