Page 16 - BPW-UK - E-news - Edition 124 - September 2024 - COMPLETED

BPW SYNE's Libby Marks completed her first half marathon on Sunday 9th Septem-
ber. The new runner took on the 13-mile course to raise funds for her five-year-old
daughter Annabel who has High-Risk Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood
cancer.

Annabel is the granddaughter of BPW UK's former Past President, Sue Ashmore.
High-Risk Neuroblastoma has a 40-50% survival rate at diagnosis and is one of the
hardest childhood cancers to eliminate. Annabel has bravely endured 18 months of chem-
otherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and more in her battle with the rare
disease.

Having completed all available treatment via the NHS, her family is fundraising to
access time-critical cancer treatment in the United States - a drug called DFMO.
Children in America and Australia already receive DFMO as standard treatment for
Neuroblastoma. It is proven to reduce the likelihood of relapse, which is a major risk with
this cancer and sees survival rates plummet. The drug is currently going through the ap-
proval process for use in the UK, but this is happening too slowly for Annabel, who needs
to begin the urgent treatment by October.
Libby says 'When she was first diagnosed, Annabel was given a 50% chance of
survival. As a parent, hearing that is the worst thing you could possibly imagine. With
successful treatment from the NHS, her odds go up to 75%. But with DFMO, that increas-
es to 85%. We think that extra 10% is worth fighting for and will do whatever we can to
get her to the States.'
Annabel's family, friends and community have raised £35,000 towards the
£105,000 target so far. If anyone would like to contribute to Annabel's fund, you can do
so via Solving Kids Cancer UK, who are helping the family on their journey (registered
charity number 1135601).
By cheque - Make cheque payable to Solving Kids' Cancer and write ANNABEL ASHMORE
on the back, then post to Solving Kids' Cancer, Salisbury House, 29 Finsbury Circus, Lon-
don, EC2M 7AQ
By text (up to £20) - Text the word ANNABEL followed by any whole number up to 20
to donate by text (eg ANNABEL 5 would donate £5). Texts will be charged at your stand-
ard rate plus the value of the donation.
By bank transfer or in branch - Use the bank details below. Please ensure you use
ANNABEL ASHMORE as the reference.
Bank - NatWest
• Account no - 24164348
• Sort code - 50-30-05
Reference - ANNABEL ASHMORE
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