On Saturday 24th September, the staff of OLM are doing a sponsored walk. The 11km (7 miles) walk will follow the Thames Path from Albert Bridge to Tower Bridge. We are raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. We have chosen this charity in memory of Emil, the son of Mrs Piesold (a teacher at OLM). Emil’s story is below.

Emil was first diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of fourteen. During his long stays in hospital and regular visits to out-patient clinics, the Teenage Cancer Trust gave Emil a relaxing and age-appropriate environment filled with amazing staff and distracting activities. This help was not only there for patients but for family members and friends too.

A recurrence of the disease, when Emil was twenty-one years of age, meant that he was still able to be supported by the Teenage Cancer Trust. Again, the charity was there with unrivalled expertise and a range of support from complementary therapies such as reiki, aromatherapy and reflexology to electronics,  tie-dyeing and art therapy activities. Emil was particularly pleased to have access to the more reliable TCT wifi!

For the last seven year of Emil's life - a whole third of it - the Teenage Cancer Trust was there for him and many teenagers and young adults just like him. They supplied hats to help with hair-loss, X-Boxes to provide entertainment, a pool table and table-tennis to pass the time and a range of music instruments for relaxation. The Teenage Cancer Trust helps teenagers and young adults deal with the most scary and distressing event of their lives at the time when they are most self-conscious and vulnerable. Their work is invaluable and makes living with cancer not just bearable but an experience with moments of happiness.

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