Josie touches heart of Blair

Dec 23 2006 By Liz Hands, The Journal

Today, as beautiful, brave Josie Grove looks forward to an emotional Christmas, Prime Minister Tony Blair gives his personal backing to The Journal's fundraising campaign in her name.

Josie's story touched the nation after being published in The Journal earlier this month.

The 16-year-old, from Corbridge, Northumberland, has decided to forego further treatment for terminal cancer to enjoy the little time she has left with her family. Journal readers found her courage moving and inspirational - they called us in droves to ask what they could do to help.

We have now launched an appeal to raise money for the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund - and we are asking you to sponsor our columnist David Banks, who is doing a sponsored slim, or to raise money through a lifestyle or fitness-related event of your own.

Tony Blair gave his backing yesterday. He said: "I am delighted to give my personal support to The Journal's appeal to raise money for the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund.

"Josie has touched the hearts of all who have heard her story.

"But her courage also gives everyone the chance to reflect on how they, too, are going to make the most of their lives.

"So nothing could be more fitting than The Journal's drive to raise money for Josie's charity for children suffering from cancer while, at the same time, encouraging its readers - and its staff - to lead healthier lifestyles.

"It's a very worthwhile campaign and deserves widespread support."

Mr Blair's comments came after he was contacted by David Banks, himself in remission from leukaemia, who is doing a sponsored slim in aid of Josie.

Josie, of Princes Street, Corbridge, a former pupil at Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham, was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago while her family were living in Thailand.

She underwent one unsuccessful bone marrow transplant and a course of aggressive anti-cancer drugs after moving back to the UK for treatment.

Josie and her family were then given a spark of hope. Her mother Jacqui, 44, fell unexpectedly pregnant with her little brother Charlie, now eight months, who was a perfect bone marrow match for Josie.

But doctors were unable to take enough cells from his umbilical cord and instead gave Josie a further, unsuccessful, transplant from an anonymous donor.

She has now decided she has "had enough of hospitals" and says she wants to enjoy the rest of her life at home with her family - parents Jacqui and Cliff, 46, both jewellery designers, and siblings Charlie, Freddie, 13, and Libby, 11.

When Cliff was told yesterday that Tony Blair had backed Josie's fund, he said: "I just hope it helps raise as much money as possible for the fund."

Journal editor Brian Aitken said: "I am really pleased that the Prime Minister has given his backing.

"The campaign is not just to acknowledge and salute the courage of Josie, but to encourage everyone to think about how they could exercise more and eat more healthily.

"I would ask every reader to think about what they could do to make this campaign a success - and that could simply be to sponsor David Banks.

"But the more people who decide to take up our health challenge and raise money in the name of Josie, then the more successful we will be.

"I almost feel I should be doing something myself. I'll get the scales out - then watch this space."

Where do you fit in?

We are asking you to get behind our bid to raise money for Josie's fund.

There are two ways you can do your bit to help:

Anyone wishing to sponsor David Banks in his effort to shed the pounds in aid of the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund should fill in the form here and return it to The Journal, saying how much money you are pledging.

OR:

Let us know what fitness-related fundraising method you have come up with yourself to raise cash for The Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund.

We are urging our readers to come up with fundraising ideas - it could be a sponsored swim, a sponsored football match or even a sponsored bungee jump.

Please contact The Journal newsdesk with information on any events - solo or team - you have arranged to help boost the fund.

Anyone wishing to get involved should contact the newsdesk on (0191) 201-6344 or email jnl.newdesk@ncjmedia.co.uk

You may send cheques payable to The Dove Trust (registered charity 287401) - Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund written on the back - to The Journal, PO Box 1146, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1ET.