Wessex Cancer Trust
Set up 30 years ago, the Wessex Cancer Trust has given around £20 million to help cancer patients and their families in the Wessex region. The Wessex Cancer Trust relies totally on the generosity of the general public, corporate sector and grant giving bodies for its funding, and is delighted to be a partner charity in the 123 Decathlon Challenge 2012.
Over the years the Trust has been able to support cutting edge research projects, the purchase of vital equipment and training of paediatric cancer nurses, allowing children to be treated at hospitals closer to home.
Demand for patient and family support continues to grow and the Trust is responding to this by increasing the services it provides. These services include patient grants, counselling and befriending, complementary therapies and much needed respite care. The funds we receive from the 2012 Decathlon Challenge will enable us to open more Support Centres which, for many cancer patients, provide a lifeline. For those bereaved families, our emotional care and support helps them through some very difficult days. To be a part of the 123 Decathlon Challenge in 2012 is fantastic and will help make a big difference to many people’s lives… thank you!
Case Study
Dean Stoneman is a racing driver who shot to prominence in 2010 when he dominated the FIA Formula Two series, a feeder championship to F1.
It was an incredible year for Dean. In his first year in F2 he commanded the series with six race wins, six poles, thirteen visits to the podium and six fastest laps. He went on the win the title attracting fans of his unique blend talent, flare determination and dynamic approach to racing.
Formula One was Dean’s goal, a target which took a step closer after he was invited to test with the famous Williams F1 team in Abu Dhabi as F2 Champion. He gave a great account of himself, impressing team Chief Patrick Head in the process. The year finished off with Dean collecting his F2 trophy at the FIA Gala Evening in Monaco and being nominated as Autosport Rookie of the year and picking up many other accolades along the way.
With the world of F1 at his feet, there was surely no stopping this prodigious talent.
January 20th this year, soon after announcing his drive in the Renault World Series, Dean was diagnosed with Testicular cancer.
Dean explains the significant role The Wessex Cancer Trust has played in his life. “Soon after my diagnosis my manager received a call from Kim Lawford explaining all about the WCT and how they could & would like to meet and support me through my treatment. Kim, Sally and Paula came to visit me in Southampton General D3 ward; they were always so upbeat and so very positive and comforting in all that they said. I knew then that I wanted to be able to help and become part of their amazing Charity.
We kept in contact weekly and I was delighted when they asked me if I would consider becoming their Youth Ambassador. I was of course honored to be approached to undertake such a role and accepted it gladly. I am now very proud to say I am the Youth Ambassador for the Wessex Cancer Trust.”
Following a successful operation in August Dean continues to attend the Therapies Service provided by WCT on a weekly basis.
Now working towards a full recovery, Dean is now planning on a return to racing in 2012. There is the matter of a Renault World Series which he was meant to compete in this year and complete determination to race at the highest level.