Gareth Perrins-Seedhouse: a remarkable chap.

Readers will remember that last week, I appealed for donations on behalf of Gareth Perrins-Seedhouse, a fellow Brownhills lad who, despite fighting cancer, is undertaking the Shenstone Fun Run next Sunday, 1st July 2012.

It seems that Gareth’s story and incredible fortitude touched hearts out there amongst the friends I call readers – and in a few days the donation total soared by almost £250, mostly from donations from familiar names.

I’d like to thank you all. This has touched me hugely and I’m very proud to number you guys as readers. In these straitened times, it’s not easy to spare cash, yet your generosity and goodwill have been immense.

Cheers folks.

Gareth has posted a message on his Just Giving page:

 25/06/12 23:24

I have been amazed by people I’ve not met who have pledged support & want to pass on a huge thank you to Brownhills Bob and his followers for there support and best wishes. I’m a daily visitor to the excellant website and to receive a special posting is an honour – thank you x

In the meantime, the appeal is very much still open and if anyone reading this would like to donate, Gareth’s donation page is at http://www.justgiving.com/Gareth-Perrins-Seedhouse.

Gareth tells his story:

Dear Friends,

On the 1st July i will be taking part in the Shenstone Fun Run I’m looking for sponsorship to support a local chairty close to my heart – the Young Persons Cancer Unit at the QE2.

As many of you will be aware since 2008 I have been battling an extremely rare form of cancer which unfortunately is now incurable.

With my own determination and the support of Nina, cloose family and a great friends network I have managed to exceed the initial prognosis in January 2011of less than 12 months life expectancy. However my daily battle continues and It is clear that my life will be short but certainly intend it to be actioned packed.

However hard my life feels at times and periods where despite been positive I feel sorry for myself, I’m always humbled by other people I come into contact with that have similar if not worse daily battles.

One such set of people are the young people at the Young Persons Cancer Unit at the QE2 hospital in Brum, whom I have had the pleasure of spending time with during my various inpatient  treatment programmes.

These young people aged between 15 – 24 tackle their various conditions and daily trials without fuss, with dignity and so much positivity – some of whom at such an early age are facing huge battles including a premature end to life.

These young people are greatly helped during their time in the ward by the excellent dedicated staff and the Teenage Cancer Trust who fund raise to ensure that theye are able to continue with studies during treatment, learn new skills, have access to games consoles, computers, TVs, books, DVDs and special events nights and activities.

Without the hard work of the staff and the Charity none of these key features would be possible.

Therefore on the 1st July 2012 I will be taking part (hopefully alongside Nina) in the Shenstone Fun Run (well walk) to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Unit. This is a great local cause and one as you can see very much close to my heart.

Due to my health achieving the walk will be no mean feat but I’m certainly hopping to give it my all.

I have an ambitious target of raising at least £250 but hopefully closer to the £500 mark between us.

Therefore if anyone would like to sponsor me and or Nina we would be extremely grateful and very much welcomed.

All donations, however small, would be great and thank you for the continued best wishes and support I receive.

Love

Gareth

So, please support Gareth. I think we’ve all been touched by this horrid, horrid illness in some way. Together, medical science and diligent research are slowly winning the battle, but it takes money and dedicated people. None of that is possible without donations.