Emma was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in June of 2015, after she’d had pain and swelling above her knee for a few months. She was treated for one year with chemotherapy, removal of a 10cm tumour and a prosthetic femur bone replacement, and radiotherapy. She was declared cancer-free in June 2016 but sadly relapsed to both lungs in April 2017.

Bone Cancer accounts for 9% of all cancers diagnosed in 10-14 year olds. Yet funding for bone cancer research remains chronically  underfunded. Data earlier this year revealed that partners of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) reduced bone cancer research investment by 43% to a 16-year low in 2017/2018. Of the £639.7million spent, just £242,894, that’s 0.04%, was directed specifically to bone cancer. Overall investment in 2017/18 dropped 5% compared to the previous year, however, bone cancer specific investment dropped 43% and had the 5th highest cancer specific reduction compared to the previous year.

These are shocking and dismal statistics we are fighting to change.

The Bone Cancer Research Trust is dedicated to saving lives & improving outcomes for people affected by primary bone cancer. Despite being small, they fund more research projects exploring primary bone cancer than any other organisation. Last year alone, Bone Cancer Research Trust committed an incredible £807,824 to pioneering bone cancer research - to save lives!

With dedicated and continued research it’s possible to help to improve the lives and outcomes of all the courageous children diagnosed every day. It’s a fight each of these children start and so very much deserve to win, like our Epic Emma.