Georgie's Fund
This year Graeme and his caddy Dom have been supporting Georgie's Fund which helps and supports children with Neuroblastoma.
Georgie's Fund was set up in February 2004 in memory of Geroge Hayhoe, a dear little boy who died aged 8 from Neuroblastoma.
There aim is to riase money to research into a cure and new treatments for this aggressive childhood cancer.
Georgie's Fund is run by Georgies mum Tania, his nan Lynne, aunt Neen and friends Angela, Maria and Sally who are all trustees. There is also many friends and family who give their support to this fantastic charity.
Georgire's Fund is now in it's second year. The first year was amzingly successful, raising over £34,000 in a variety of ways including sponsored events such as bike rides, slimming, runs, walks and mountain climbing. Ladies lunch clubs, parties, party plan evenings and golf events. We have also been chosen by various companies and clubs as their charity of the year to fundraise for.
What is Neuroblastoma?
 (2).jpg)
Neuroblastoma is a solid tumor diagnosed in approximately 100 children in the UK each year. There is a slightly higher proporation of boys then girls. It affects very young children, from birth to around 5 years although it can occur in older children.Neuroblastoma is a very agressive cancer with several different stages, depending on how it had spread within the body. Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the specialised nerve cells called neural crest cells. These are involved in the development of the nervous system and other tissues such as the adrenal gland. They run in a chainlike fashion up the back of the abdomen and chest following the spinal chord into the skull.
Very often Neuroblastoma will occur initally in the adrenal glands above the kidneys. These are specialised glands that release hormones to maintain blood pressure and enable us to respond to stress. It may attach itself to organs making surgery difficult and sometimes the adrenal gland or kidney will need to be removed along wit the tumor.
As with most cancers, the cause of Neuroblastoma is not known.
Treatments
Current treatments will differ accordingly to the stage diagnosed. The child will normally follow a course of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy leading to surgery. This may then be followed by further chemotherapy.
Most children will be on a clinical trial or study to identify the most successful treatments. During this time the children will indergo many tests and scans. they will also require blood transfusions, many admissions to hospital sometimes needing long stays.
Their immune system is weakened which will often lead to infrection which again results in hosiptal admissions for antibiotics.
The courage these children show whilst enduring all of this is amazing and something which made me feel I should try and raise awareness of this great fund.
Georgies Fund is committed to raising money primarily to support the Neuroblastoma Society (NSOC) who fund research projects into treatment that will hopefully lead to cure for this dreadful illness. The NSOC recieve no government funding and is run by volunteers who have had children, grandchildren or other relatives affected by Neuroblastoma.
If you are interested in helping Georgies Fund, please email enquires@georgies-fund.com or call 01932 858987