Family raises cash in memory of cancer victim

From the Lancashire Telegraph, first published Friday 3rd Aug 2007.

THE family of a teenager who died of leukaemia just six weeks after being diagnosed are fundraising in his memory.

Christopher Smith, 16, of Franklin Road, Blackburn, was told he had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a cancer which rapidly attacks the blood cells, in November and died on Christmas Eve.

The cancer causes the bone marrow to make abnormal white blood cells, which fail to protect the body from infection and cause a patient's condition to deteriorate quickly.

His family revealed how his chances of survival were cut to just over 20 per cent as he was born with a genetic blood defect known as Philadelphia Chromosomes - which means his body did not destroy the defective cells.

They have organised a charity event for this afternoon, aiming to raise money for the two charities who cared for him and his family.

His mum, Tracy Tomlinson said: "We're trying to raise as much money as we can for Pendlebury Children's Hospital in Manchester and Clic Sargent, the young people's cancer charity and trying to keep memories of Christopher alive.

"We've arranged it for August because that's when Chrisopher used to go to the Blues Festival in Colne, and those musicians are going to play a set in his honour."

As well as live music, there will be a children's fancy dress competition, karaoke, a buffet, a raffle, tombola and an auction of a dart board signed by World Darts Champion Raymond van Barneveld.

His aunty Cindy Rhodes said: "We've always seen people asking for donations, but since Christopher passed away it's opened our eyes to how much charities and hospitals really do rely on external funds.

"He left an impression on a lot of people - he was cheeky, but he was one on his own. It's fantastic that all his friends and family are willing to give their time and money to good causes in his memory."

Recently Christopher's mum and sister Becky took part in Blackburn's Race for Life to raise funds for cancer Research UK, and Cindy did a charity walk for the East Lancashire hopitals.

Todays event takes place at the Manxman Pub, Manxman Rd, Blackburn, from midday.

For more information on acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the charities being supported, and to leave a message, visit the Remebering Chris Smith website at http://www.freewebs.com/rememberingchrissmith/guestbook.htm

Archive Home