Bone Cancer Research Trust

For this week's we're spotlighting one of our TCS London Marathon runners, Andy McCourt 🎽

Over the next year, Andy will be participating in a series of challenging endurance events, including the London Marathon 2025, pushing his limits to support primary bone cancer patients.

His first event was last weekend, which Andy kicked off with the It's Grim Up North Running challenge in North Yorkshire.

"It was the hardest run I've ever done by quite a way. Tough terrain, but gorgeous scenery. Unfortunately, a cramp kicked in at some point in the third lap (of four) and didn't relent at all, resulting in me rather overdramatically collapsing to the ground after getting over the finish line.

The finish line photo is with my dad who is living with Chondrosarcoma. Despite this, he has still managed to make it with my mum and support. He's battling to enjoy every moment of life and I couldn't be more proud of him." - Andy McCourt

The next event for Andy is the Wasdale Horseshoe in August, travelling 16 miles up and over some of the highest peaks in England. Good luck Andy! We are all rooting for you 🧡

Inspired by Andy? Why not have a look at our events: https://ow.ly/naUy50SI3Uo

We were thrilled to hear that our fantastic fundraiser, Sanjay Gandhi, won the Special Fundraising Award at the Agents Giving Fundraising Champion Awards 2024! 🏆

Sanjay and his started fundraising last year following Sanjay's chordoma diagnosis and have gone on to raise over £15,000 towards our vital work 👏

Congratulations to Sanjay and all the team for your well deserved win! Thank you for your tireless support and determination to raise funds and awareness for bone cancer patients 🧡

“Once I recovered from surgery and proton beam therapy, I had to build up strength both physically and mentally. It took me longer than expected.” – Lori

After experiencing pain in her back which worsened over time, Lori was eventually diagnosed with spinal chordoma in July 2019.

Her treatment involved two 11-hour surgeries followed by proton beam therapy (PBT). When Lori returned home from treatment with no nurses, no routine and time to think, her mental health deteriorated.

Lori shares her story as part of our campaign this July to show why research into the psychological impact of primary bone cancer is so important 🧡

Read more: https://ow.ly/LktZ50SIAbI

Bone Cancer Research Trust The Bone Cancer Research Trust is the leading charity dedicated to fighting primary bone cancer.

We understand the challenges that you have faced and continue to encounter in the years beyond your diagnosis and treatment for primary bone cancer or tumour.

To support you in navigating these challenges, we have launched a private Facebook group for long-term survivors, where you can share your experiences of survivorship, find support, and connect with others who truly understand 🧡

Join the group this Sarcoma Awareness Month at: https://ow.ly/rHUt50SJQhN

The Support & Information Service will be closed during these times in the summer holidays 🧡

- Friday 26th and Monday 29th July
- Friday 9th August
- Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd August
- Thursday 29th and Friday 30th August

For any non-urgent enquiries please continue to email [email protected].

For any urgent support please contact your medical team or call NHS 111.

NEW research grant awarded! 📋

We are proud to be funding a study that will explore the psychological impact of spinal sarcomas.

It is hoped that the project, led by Dr Victoria Williamson at the University of Bath and Jeremy Reynolds & Gerard Mawhinney at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will pave the way for better mental health support 🧡

Learn more this July: https://ow.ly/xCFZ50SIzBE

Bone Cancer Research Trust The Bone Cancer Research Trust is the leading charity dedicated to fighting primary bone cancer.

“I have learned so much — about the surgical procedures, about this form of cancer, and from the patients themselves what it is like to live with this disease. I hope my photographs convey something of all that.”

Close to the Bone was shot and curated by photographer Caroline Seymour as part of a unique collaboration with sarcoma patients and consultant orthopaedic surgeon Professor Tom Cosker 📸

This free exhibition does not shy away from the harsh reality of a bone cancer diagnosis, even venturing into the operating theatre to show the intricacies of surgical treatment 🩺

You can view this moving collection of photographs at The Royal College of Surgeons of England this summer.

- 15th August – 7th September 📅
- 10:00 – 17:00

Book your tickets here: https://ow.ly/1srg50SHUW1

Close to the Bone is proudly supported by the Bone Cancer Research Trust and Sarcoma UK.

This Sarcoma Awareness Month, we’re celebrating an emotional reunion.

David, a chordoma patient, was put back in touch with the optician who started his life-saving journey thanks to the remarkable efforts of the BBC 🧡

After experiencing double vision in January 2020, David visited his local Specsavers for an eye exam and was urged to visit A&E the same day for further investigation.

With the quick action and diligence of his optician, doctors discovered a 23mm tumour near David’s cranial nerve, and his treatment started quickly.

David’s story is a reminder of the important role that healthcare professionals play in the diagnostic journey of primary bone cancer patients, and we are committed to working with opticians to raise awareness of the red-flag symptoms so that more patients survive and thrive.

Watch the heartwarming BBC London News clip by visiting: https://ow.ly/6Cv050SHx6i

Cancer survivor reunited with life-saving London optician David Ly started seeing double and went to a London optician before being diagnosed with cancer.

What an incredible day at Leeds Pride! 🌈✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us, cheered us on, and shared in the joy of the Leeds Pride parade!

Make sure to tag us in any photos/videos if you spotted our orange t-shirts! 🧡

Photo credit: JMO Photography

Today’s shoutout goes to our incredible supporter, Mark Varley, who not only ran the TCS London Marathon for us back in April, but he has now also just conquered the Peak District Ultra Challenge 100km Challenge 💪

He is running throughout the year to raise funds for our charity in honour of his mother-in-law, Sherralyn Drury, who was being treated for Giant cell tumour of the bone and is now doing well 🧡

Mark’s challenge will culminate with the RunUltra 217 km Ring of Fire, where he will be running the entire circumference of Anglesey for over 3 days!

A huge congratulations on an incredible achievement Mark, and best of luck with the Ring of Fire. You’ve got this!

If you would like to run for us, whether that be a 5k or an ultra marathon, then please check out our events page: https://ow.ly/moFv50SF57K

During we believe that every voice deserves to be heard.

If you or a loved one are from a minority ethnic community and have experienced the impact of bone cancer, we would love to hear from you ✍️

Every experience is unique and, by sharing yours, you can contribute to a more inclusive bone cancer community 🧡

Share your story here: https://ow.ly/RWCX50SiMrG

We are excited to release the latest edition of the United magazine. Inside, find latest news, stories, interviews and updates 📰🧡

Download and read your free copy now at: https://ow.ly/5eyW50SF12q

"When Libby was diagnosed, her whole world fell apart, but Libby wasn't going to let that stop her from helping others." - Siobhan Cullen, Regional Relationship Manager

We are in complete awe of 10-year-old Libby Atkins, who was crowned ‘Young Fundraiser of the Year’ at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising National Fundraising Awards 2024 🏆

Her inspirational efforts include a bake sale from her hospital bed during treatment, a black-tie charity dinner, and rallying the support of her local community to host raffles and events 🧡

To read more about Libby's incredible achievement, visit: https://ow.ly/RgfX50SCrS7