Beefy marches on
Friday 16 April 2010 08:03, UK
Sir Ian Botham is on day seven of his latest charity walk... in Reading. Find out how you can get involved.
Botham hits Reading on Day Seven
Sir Ian Botham has kicked day seven of his special 25th anniversary walk in Reading. Twenty five years after his first legendary walk from John O'Groats to Land's End, Sir Ian is setting out this month to beat childhood leukaemia. Beefy started outside the Marks & Spencer on Reading's Broad Street will then walked for 10 miles through Reading before arriving at the Thames Tow Path, to walk with members of the public who are also fundraising for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. Five-year-old leukaemia patient Grace Davies from Thatcham will meet Sir Ian at start the walk and Grace and her family also walked with the cricketing legend at the Thames Tow Path. In 1985, only 20 per cent of children survived the most common form of childhood leukaemia, now 90 per cent survive this disease. But there are still children for whom the outlook is not so good and Sir Ian is determined to make sure every child survives leukaemia. Botham, President of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, says: "My walk in 2010 is extra special for me as it marks 25 years since I did my first walk, and also the 50th birthday of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. "I never forget why I put myself through the pain and blisters. I won't stop until we beat childhood leukaemia, but I can't do it without you." Beefy is walking through 10 towns over ten days from 10-19 April. Click here for route The 10 children who will represent charity will each join him on different stages of his walk. Every day Beefy will complete an approximate 10-mile route starting from the local Marks & Spencer in the town centre before joining people who have raised sponsorship in a local park.Meet Beefy's buddies
Ian Shepherd (5) - joined Beefy 10 April in ManchesterIan Shepherd was just three years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after collapsing at playgroup. Ian from Stockport, responded well to treatment at The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and is currently undergoing maintenance chemotherapy which he is due to finish in 18 months time. Mum, Claire, says: "Ian's a right little character: the treatment has been difficult and stressful at times but he's been amazing, so strong". Jack Groom (8) - joined Beefy 11 April in Birmingham
Jack Groom from Norton Canes was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2006 after doctors ordered blood tests to investigate a persistent infection. Jack, now eight, suffered some rare side effects to chemotherapy. The punishing treatment damaged the nerves in Jack's legs meaning that he now uses a wheelchair to travel long distances. Linda says: "Jack's dealt fantastically with everything. He's just a happy little boy who doesn't let things get him down - most of the time he takes the chair for a walk rather than sitting in it!" Maddi Green (10) - joined Beefy 12 April Worcester
Maddi Green from Worcester was diagnosed with leukaemia in February 2008. Despite losing her long brown hair to chemo, Maddi is doing well and, poignantly, is due to finish her treatment in April, the same month as Beefy's walk. Dad Jerry says: "We will be walking with Sir Ian Botham to raise money and awareness for the charity - because we will never forget that single day that changed our lives." Lauren Manning (8) - joined Beefy 13 April in Bristol
Lauren Manning was only four when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Lauren from Bristol had become withdrawn and prone to falling asleep and when doctors ordered an urgent blood test they discovered she had blood cancer. Lauren's treatment was an extremely anxious time for the family, but Lauren has responded well to treatment and has been in remission since January. Mum Nicky says: "Lauren can't wait to meet Sir Ian Botham, if it wasn't for him we might be telling a very different story." Tom Cowpe (6) - joined Beefy 14 April in Winchester
Tom Cowpe, who will be joining Beefy in Winchester, was just five years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Mum, Sam, sought medical advice after Tom's temperature began to fluctuate and he struggled to make it through a day at school because of tiredness. Tom has endured intensive chemotherapy and bouts of pneumonia but has remained strong and is due to finish treatment in January 2012. Sam says: "Tom has been through years of pain and discomfort but he's just got on with it. He's been brilliant. Everyone at the hospital thinks he's such a star". Sam Masters (7) - joined Beefy 15 April in Epsom
Sam Masters, from Fetcham was four years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. After a bruise to his neck developed into a lump, Sam was sent to hospital by his doctor to begin the treatment which he will complete later this year. The ordeal has left Sam's parents determined to help beat childhood leukaemia. Mum Debbie says: "When we first heard the news we were just so angry - it shouldn't have happened to our little boy, it shouldn't happen to any child". Grace Davies (5) - will join Beefy 16 April in Reading
Grace Davies from Thatcham was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in February 2008. When strange marks started appearing all over Grace's body, her anxious parents took her to A&E, where they learned she had blood cancer. Grace was just three years old. Though painful, Grace's treatment has been successful and will be coming to an end in April. Dad, Paul says: "Grace is doing really well. The effects of chemotherapy are truly devastating and no child should have to go through what we've seen Grace go through. Bradley Smith (6) - will join Beefy 17 April in Milton Keynes
Bradley Smith from Milton Keynes was four when he collapsed at home in 2007 and was subsequently diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. After battling through 14 months of chemotherapy, Bradley is now on a maintenance program scheduled to conclude in December 2010. Mum Arwen says, "Bradley's been absolutely amazing. He's been taking everything in his stride. We're all really looking forward to joining Sir Ian on the walk so no child in the future has to go through this pain." Maisie Rose Speller (4) - will join Beefy 18 April in Chelmsford
Three-year-old Maisie Rose Speller, from Braintree near Chelmsford was a toddler when she was diagnosed with leukaemia and taken for intensive treatment at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital. Maisie's depleted immune system has left her vulnerable to other problems like shingles and chicken pox, but she is doing well and due to finish her treatment later this year. Dad Matthew says: "The work that Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research does is so invaluable, but we need strive for 100 percent survival - that's why we're joining Beefy". Joe Smale (12) - will join Beefy 19 April in London
Twelve-year-old Joe Smale, from Chiswick has battled leukaemia twice. First diagnosed with leukaemia, aged two, Joe immediately underwent an intensive course of treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The three years of treatment were initially successful, but in 2007 the family were dealt a terrible shock when it emerged that the leukaemia had returned. The second period in hospital was extremely tough for Joe, who's now in remission, because he was old enough to understand his condition. Debbie says: "While survival rates have improved - we're still not there yet. We need 100% success."Places on each stage are expected to fill up quickly so if you want to join Sir Ian either call 020 7685 5143, email email beefy25@lrf.org.uk or visit www.beefy25.com. If you cannot make the walk but would like to sponsor Beefy please go to www.justgiving.com/beefy
