Page 10 - link magazine

10 swindonlink.com • October 2008
Too sweet to turn into China trek raises profile of forgotten cancer

a sleeping princess Before his mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Steve Kuenen
of Grange Park had no idea of the bleak prognosis for sufferers. After
When Holly Traynor was asked what she would like to do for her her death in February, he vowed to raise money for research by trekking
sixth birthday, she said she wanted to walk the length of Thamesdown along the Great Wall of China at the end of September.
Drive to raise money for Swindon Children with Insulin Dependent His mother, Marilyn Potter, died
Diabetes (SCWIDD). two and a half years after her initial
Holly is used to walking long diagnosis, aged 63.
distances and it’s the way her dia- While survival rates for other
betes was discovered said her mum types of cancer have steadily im-
Charley. “We moved from the town proved, the chances for victims of
centre to Redhouse last year and pancreatic cancer are slim. Steve
Holly had to go to Haydon Wick said he was shocked when he learnt
Primary. We walked two miles to of the low survival rates. “Other
school each morning and then the cancers get a lot of media coverage
same in the afternoon. but pancreatic cancer has been left
“After a couple of months she behind. It has possibly one of the
became very tired and we couldn’t worst survival rates; only three per
understand why; I was even re- cent of those diagnosed live for five Steve with a portrait of Marilyn
ported to the education department years. The survival rates have barely and married at 18.
because Holly was missing school Holly and Kane, walking for diabetes improved in 40 years.” John is backing Steve’s fundrais-
because she was exhausted.” asleep like the sleeping beauty. The whole family were devastat- ing efforts and has made a donation
Charley said diabetes was the Now she tells everybody that’s she ed by Marilyn’s death, particularly of £500 towards the £3,000 target.
unexpected explanation as there too sweet.” her husband John. The couple had On the wall he will be covering ten
was no history in the family. “The After an appeal to Swindon been together almost all their lives. miles a day for 11 days and staying
diagnosis was a complete shock Council Holly was allowed to Amazingly, they were born within with local families on the way. Al-
and meant a total lifestyle change as transfer to Red Oaks Primary School three hours of each other, delivered though he has a good level of fitness,
Holly now has to inject insulin twice close to her home. by the same midwife in Oxford. Steve has been training hard at the
a day to maintain the right blood The Thamesdown Drive trek They went right through school De Vere Hotel gym.
sugar levels. But she’s been brilliant; takes place on Tuesday 4 November together, began courting aged 17 www.justgiving.com/stevekuenen
we’re amazed how accepting she and Holly will be joined by 12 year
has been of her situation.” old Kane Chilcott from Penhill who
Charley and Holly’s dad Mark was diagnosed with diabetes on the
took a novel approach to explain same day. Teddies to help MS Centre relocate
why she had to have the life saving Other families who would like Hundreds of teddy bears are looking for new places to live as part of the
treatment. “We told Holly that she to take part are welcome. To join drive to help the Swindon MS Therapy Centre move to a new home.
was just too sweet and she needs in or offer sponsorship call Charley
the injections to stop her falling Traynor on 0791 737 1227. The cute creatures, each cuddling To bag a bear, or to offer to sell a
a blanket sporting a Care for MS box in your workplace, call Jackie
logo, are ideal stocking fillers and Wray on 481700.
are available for a minimum dona- Cabaret and curry coming up
tion of £1.50. 15 November. Musical entertain-
The Moving Soon Appeal has ment in aid of the MS Centre at
now raised £360,000, thanks to The Moonrakers. Call 481700 for
support from a charitable trust and a ticket
from fundraising events, towards 17 November. Curry night at Bom-
their £500,000 target to pay for new bay Lounge, Peatmoor. Call 887799
premises and a new larger oxygen to book a table.
treatment chamber. www.msswindon.org.uk

A brush with the Mayor at Shaw dentist

A trip to the dentist gave Jennifer Henshaw plenty to smile about when
she picked up a prize in a competition run by Shaw Dental Practice.
During Smile Month in
June, she correctly identified
four magnified dental im-
ages and was presented with
a gift voucher and goody bag
from Mayor Steve Wakefield,
who is also a patient of the
practice.
Dentist Brigitte Wilkinson
said that the British Dental
Health Foundation’s Smile
month plays an important
part in raising awareness
of dental hygiene issues,
including new findings The Mayor presents Jennifer with her prizes
which show that infections
in the mouth can cause problems “I think people would be sur-
elsewhere in the body. Heart dis- prised at some of the new evidence
ease, strokes, diabetes, lung disease that shows links between mouth
and premature or low birth weight problems and other illnesses,” said
babies have been found to be related Brigitte. “Good oral health is a very
to poor dental health. important part of our practice.”

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