26 - October - 2016
INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE... NEWS
PAGE 2
MP calls for food scheme to help feed hungry kids
LIFEextra
PAGE 10
Liverpool woman sheds over half her body weight
SPORT
PAGE 11
Boxing event raises thousands for Alder Hey patients
SUCCESS IN SEATTLE By AMBER ROBERTS
A young Leukaemia sufferer from Litherland who has recently returned home after lifesaving treatment in America has continued to smash his fundraising targets to help others. Charlie Fearns, 11, was diagnosed with the disease for the third time and to travel to a clinic in Seattle for a CAR-T transplant was his final hope. A fundraising campaign set up to pay for Charlie’s treatment reached its original goal of £100,000 in just 19 days and the bar was set higher to £140,000, which was also achieved. Charlie has also inspired others to raise more than £60,000 for the Anthony Nolan trust, such as the ‘cycling scouser’, who cycled from Shanghai to Liverpool, and finds out next week whether he has won the Pride of Britain award that he has been nominated for due to his efforts.
Charlie’s mum, Sophie has tried to stop children havFearns said: “It’s been the ing second transplants and as hardest nine weeks of our Charlie has previously had a lives but it was worth every bone marrow transplant, this second to enable Charlie a would make him not eligible future. He has continued to for treatment on the NHS and amaze us with his strength we would have to pay to have and amazingly he has man- another one.” Another of aged a day at the main aims school, which ofCharlie’s three weeks Chance Foundaago we thought tion, which has would never be recently become possible.” a registered However, charity, is to Charlie still has raise awareness a long way to of the imporgo and it is liketance of young ly that he will people joining need a second the Anthony transplant. Mrs. Nolan register. Fearns, who is Anthony Noalso an ambassador and trus- HOPEFUL: Charlie celebrating lan uses its register to match tee of “Charlie’s his birthday potential bone Chance Founmarrow donors dation”, which was set up to help other fami- to blood cancer patients in lies in the same situation, said desperate need of a bone marCharlie is a real life example row transplant. More young of how the NHS cuts are af- people between the ages of fecting children’s lives. “We 16-30 are urged to join, as curset up a petition as the NHS rently young men only make
up about 15% of the register, yet are also most likely to be chosen to donate as they are less likely to have long-term health problems which might delay or prevent donation. You can join the register online via www.anthonynolan. org, which only takes a few minutes, yet could greatly change someone’s life. Speaking of Charlie’s progress, Mrs. Fearns said: “So far the treatment looks promising but we are still in the early stages and won’t know for sure until month five but we have everything crossed. The main thing is that he’s finished the brunt of treatment and we’re back at home.” The Charlie’s Chance foundation is holding a charity ball at The Shankly Hotel on November 27th to celebrate becoming a registered charity. Tickets are available via the Charlies Chance Facebook page and donations can be made on the Charlie’s Chance go fund me page.
© Amber Roberts
US treatment gives new hope to little Charlie
Perfect ponies on parade
Liverpool hosted a parade of equine excellence yesterday. Crowds of all ages gathered at the Echo Arena to celebrate the International Horse show. Over fifty horses filled the waterfront along with a few famous faces such as Grand National winner Bob Champion and Miss Liverpool winner Louella Walker. • Full story on page 5