Majestic chooses CHILDREN with CANCER UK as Charity of the Year 2013
Following a staff vote in November, Majestic Wine's Charity of the Year for 2013 is CHILDREN with CANCER UK.
CHILDREN with CANCER UK is the leading national children's charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer. Over 3,300 youngsters, including infants and babies are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK. Not so long ago a diagnosis of leukaemia – the most common childhood cancer - was a virtual death sentence. Today, thanks to advances in research and treatment, 80% of children with leukaemia survive. Sadly, this is not true for all forms of childhood cancer.
CHILDREN with CANCER UK is one of the UK's leading funders of research into childhood cancer. They fund life saving research into the causes, prevention and treatment of childhood cancer. They work to protect young lives through essential welfare and campaigning programmes.
Majestic will be raising money and awareness for CHILDREN with CANCER UK through collection tins in stores, mobile phone and printer cartridge recycling and staff fundraising activities.
If you would like to make a donation to CHILDREN with CANCER UK, please visit Majestic's Just Giving page.
Caroline Blakely, Chief Executive, CHILDREN with CANCER UK
"We are extremely grateful to all the staff at Majestic Wine for choosing us as their Charity of the Year 2013. CHILDREN with CANCER UK relies entirely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. With Majestic Wine's support, we will be able to help more children and save more lives."
Rose's story
At just five months old, Rose Kelly was diagnosed with infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Rose's mum, Alison, tells her story.
"Our world fell to pieces on the 13th July 2006. After a series of infections, we were told that Rose had infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a form of leukaemia which is rare and difficult to treat. The doctors gave Rose a 50:50 chance of survival.
Treatment for infant ALL is brutal. We watched our darling Rose's body being pumped with steroids. We signed forms to consent to her being given toxic chemotherapy, knowing the hideous side effects that may follow. We had no choice.
In April 2007, just when things seemed to be running a little more smoothly, Rose became very, very sick. An assumed infection worsened dramatically, and she was transported to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Rose had more tubes put down her nose and mouth and was given help to breathe during the transfer, but ended up in intensive care on life-support. She had developed a fungal infection which can be a side effect of chemotherapy. All her medication was stopped and we prayed that she would recover. It was a long, slow battle, but Rose fought her way back.
Rose finished her treatment on 14th July 2008 - we cherish every moment with her and pray for her continued good health.
It's really hard to express thanks to people but it's important for people to realise that, no matter how much they give, or how rarely they give, it makes a huge difference - not just to a child's life but to their whole family."
For more information please visit their website.
Registered Charity No. in England & Wales 298405