Joshua McCormack died from a very rare brain tumour in January 2017. Brain tumours continue to cause more deaths than any other type of childhood cancer.
His mum, Nicola, shares Joshua’s story to raise awareness of these rare types of cancer and the lack of research funding in the UK.
“During Joshua’s gruelling treatment, he experienced hearing loss and vision loss and his spine and skull stopped growing due to the radiation. He was also left with learning disabilities. He contracted several infections and had to have frequent blood and platelet transfusions during his treatment. The high-dose chemotherapy caused permanent damage to his kidneys.
“During his treatment, he contracted pneumonia, which left him fighting for his life. A few weeks later, he lost his battle.
“Throughout Joshua’s illness, I was very vocal about the lack of research into paediatric cancer. I also realised that not all cancer charities are transparent about how they spend donations. That’s why I chose Friends of Rosie. Being a volunteer-led charity, I felt reassured that almost every penny raised would go directly into funding research.”
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Nancy, 11, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma when she was just 2 years old. She was treated with Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) in Germany but unfortunately relapsed less than a year later. The family were then sent to Germany for a second round of PBT. Although treatment helped to cure Nancy’s cancer, she has been left with lots of lasting effects which will require ongoing treatment throughout her life. Here Nancy and her mum, Antonia, share their story in the hope it will help others, raise awareness, and raise more money for children’s cancer research.
Why I am a Trustee of CCRF
I have spent my professional career representing individuals and families affected by the devastating asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, which has no cure and for which there are only a limited number of palliative treatments available on the NHS.
I joined CCRF because I wanted to bring my understanding of the need to raise awareness of less well known cancers and passion for the need to secure improved funding for research to children facing a cancer diagnosis.
My role on the Board
I am responsible for oversight of our collaboration agreements with other charities to co-fund research into cures and treatments for childhood cancers. I also manage our challenge events and help with community fundraising.
My Background
I am a Senior Associate at Irwin Mitchell LLP and specialise in Asbestos Disease Litigation, acting on behalf of victims of asbestos related diseases and their families. Over the years, I have undertaken a number of fundraising challenges to raise money for cancer research, including a 1000 mile cycle ride from Glasgow to Southampton.
