70 for 70 magazine

45 FAMILY RAISE VITAL FUNDS IN WILL’S NAME The family of a young man who was treated at The Christie for leukaemia is continuing to raise funds in his name – and the total currently stands at a staggering £36,000.

Will Clark was treated at our teenage and young adult unit where he became known as someone who readily befriended new patients, helping them settle into their treatment by sharing his experiences and encouraging them to take part in activities. Will sadly died in October 2017 aged 23, a year after he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a disease that affects the blood and bones. But his family are determined to keep Will’s spirit going by supporting the unit’s activities fund. “It was such an important part of Will’s care”, said Trevor, Will’s dad. “The days can

be long, and time can pass slowly. The social activities are an essential part of the treatment; they help keep morale up.” The fund pays for all manner of activities, including restaurant and football trips, art, craft and music lessons and technology for patients’ bedrooms. The activities not only help patients make friends with each other, giving them an essential support network, they also provide a welcome distraction from their illness and treatment. The family has adopted the hashtag #IWill as a call to arms whenever they want to alert supporters to a new fundraising endeavour.

“When we started fundraising, we wanted to contribute to the activities fund because we saw first-hand how important it is.” Trevor, Will’s dad.

46. WE TREAT MORE THAN 44,000 PATIENTS A YEAR

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