Maggie Darling backs 20 year-old cancer patient's £100k plea

15/04/09

An inspirational 20-year-old cancer patient launched a special fundraising appeal at Number 11 Downing Street today.

Nicole Dryburgh is aiming to raise £100,000 to help the charity, Teenage Cancer Trust, build a specialist teenage cancer unit at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Surrey.

Nicole, from Whitstable, was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer when she was 11, relapsed when she was 13 and again at 17. Despite losing her sight, hearing and mobility, she has thrown herself into raising money for other young people with cancer. Setting an incredible wish-list of achievements, she has already ticked off: having a book published; doing an abseil; meeting Prince Harry; holding a monkey; being in OK! Magazine; shopping in New York; and having her own documentary. Next on the list is a sky-dive.

Hosted by Maggie Darling, wife of Alistair Darling, the exclusive event with over 100 special guests will kick-start Nicole’s fundraising.

Nicole said: “I know how tough it is to be a teenager with cancer, and that’s why Teenage Cancer Trust is a charity very close to my heart. I have set up Nicole’s fund with Teenage Cancer Trust so that the money I raise goes specifically towards helping them raise £3 million to build a specialist unit at The Royal Marsden. This is where I have had all my cancer treatment, so I want to give something back. I was never lucky enough to be treated on a Teenage Cancer Trust unit but I can imagine the difference they make, so that’s why I’m supporting this appeal.”

Simon Davies, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust said: “Nicole’s enthusiasm, sense of humour and incredible determination is both humbling and inspiring. Despite being blind, almost totally deaf and confined to a wheelchair, her zest for life continues to amaze us all. Anyone who meets Nicole will realise that this is a young woman who will achieve her fundraising goal and help Teenage Cancer Trust develop a new unit in the South East.”

Maggie Darling added: “It is a privilege to welcome Teenage Cancer Trust to No11 for this event and help highlight the incredible work they undertake with young people. I think Nicole’s efforts are truly inspirational and I’m delighted to be able to help her cause”.

Every day in the UK, six teenagers are told they have cancer. This is a rising figure and there are already more young people than children with the disease. These young people often get a raw deal, receiving hospital treatment in inappropriate facilities catering for children or the elderly.

Teenage Cancer Trust focuses on the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer by providing specialist teenage units in NHS hospitals designed to give teenagers the very best chance of a positive outcome. As well as state-of-the-art facilities to keep patients occupied during long stays in hospital, the units provide an environment where teenagers can meet others in a similar situation.

The charity estimates that, with the units they currently have around the UK, only half of all teenagers diagnosed with cancer now have access to the dedicated, specialist support they provide. But Teenage Cancer Trust’s aim is to build enough units so that, by 2012, every teenager will be treated on one.

Donations to Nicole’s Fund can be made at www.justgiving.com/nicolesfund