Josie salutes 'brilliant' supporters inspired by her
Dec 16 2006 By The Journal
Scores of Journal readers yesterday backed our campaign to raise funds on behalf of teenager Josie Grove.
The 16-year-old moved the nation when it was revealed she had decided to decline all further cancer treatment so she could enjoy her remaining time with her family.
Her story brought tears of admiration from our Friday columnist - and former leukaemia sufferer - David Banks.
Motivated by his wife Gemma and another Journal story which warned of the "obesity timebomb" in the North-East, the 58-year-old has pledged to grab his second chance by shedding the pounds in aid of Josie's charity fund.
Now The Journal wants the whole of the North-East to get active in aid of the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund - a charity aiming to improve the lives of other children with cancer and also fund research.
Generous readers have already demonstrated their desire to play their part.
Inspired by Josie's bravery and determination, readers have been telephoning and emailing The Journal with their plans.
They include Elvis impersonator Derek Patterson, of Bedlington, Northumberland, who has offered with the help of his wife Kay to hold a charity evening in Josie's honour.
Other readers have phoned to pledge money and to support David in his battle to shed six stone.
Two friends have already volunteered to raise pounds for pounds by joining David in his sponsored slim.
Our appeal has been welcomed by Josie, who says helping other sufferers gives her life meaning. She said: "I think it's absolutely brilliant. It really gives my life a purpose. I don't know how long I have, but it feels really worthwhile.
"I just want to get on with my life and enjoy spending time with my family, as well as helping raise money."
Josie, a talented artist and champion swimmer, was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago while living with her family in Thailand. They moved back to the UK, settling in Princes Street, Corbridge. But after two bone marrow transplants - including one from her baby brother Charlie - and aggressive anti-cancer drugs proved unsuccessful, doctors said they could do no more.
Josie, who lives with parents Cliff and Jacqui, both jewellery designers, brothers, Freddie, 13, and Charlie, eight months, and sister Libby, 11, decided to have no more treatment.
