Around seven people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. Expert support and treatment from the moment they hear the word "cancer", is vital. The Teenage Cancer Unit at the RVI in Newcastle, focus on the treatment of teenagers and young children. Some of the youngest are babies in arms, who thankfully don't really understand the trauma. Once children are at an age that they are aware, it can incredibly distressing. The unit provides specialist care with all private rooms that include parent beds and bathrooms. Every room is kitted out with a plasma TV, DVD players and sound systems designed to make the treatment and convalescence as pleasant and comfortable as is humanly possible, as many have hours alone to contemplate. There is also a "penthouse" suite purely for the children, where no adults allowed. This suite houses high tech gaming facilities and a range of musical instruments, which brings light relief to the children during their treatment. Daniel spent almost two years at the Teenage Cancer Unit, where he had Leukaemia and later a bone marrow transplant. It was his 22nd birthday on the 7th of February and he died on 28th February with Pneumonia and Septicemia.
Daniel had always supported the Michael Neil Drew event and followed around in a buggy when his health began to fail him, a lot of you will remember him at last year’s where I promised him we would support this cause in 2017, something that was so dear to his heart.
Daniel was planning on him making this donation in person, however tragic events means that this will be done by his Dad David, Mom Mary and his younger Brother Jack who will help us all keep the promise made to Daniel last year. Our aim is to donate a amount that exceeds £5,000 in memory of Daniel who gave so much in his quest to help others as he bravely endured pioneering treatment often with very painful and difficult side effects.