Josie's joy at her first donation

Feb 23 2007 By Chloe Griffiths, The Journal

Courageous Josie Grove has inspired hundreds of our readers to put their hands in their pockets.

And yesterday that generosity was rewarded when the inspirational youngster proudly handed over her first donation to the Northern Institute for Cancer Research.

The 16-year-old, who was diagnosed with terminal leukaemia two years ago, travelled from her home in Princes Street, Corbridge, Northumberland, with her parents to donate £10,000 towards research into the disease at the Newcastle School of Medicine.

The donation was the result of kindness from Journal readers, who were inspired to raise funds in honour of Josie after reading of her heartrending decision to forgo any further cancer treatment to enjoy the time she has left with her family.

Josie's brave decision touched the hearts of thousands of people across the North-East, in particular Journal columnist David Banks.

The 58-year-old, who himself has been given the all-clear after being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia 10 years ago, was moved to tears by her story and vowed to grab his second chance at life with both hands.

Inspired by Josie, and motivated by his wife Gemma, he pledged to shed six stones in honour of Josie and urged the entire region to join him in raising funds in her name.

So on December 15, The Journal launched an appeal to raise money for the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund.

Yesterday, everyone supporting the campaign was celebrating the first major donation.

Josie said: "It feels great to be able to hand over the cheque. I didn't think we would ever reach £10,000 - it's so much money."

Josie's parents Cliff, 46, and Jacqui, 44, both jewellery designers also sent out heartfelt thanks to everyone who had contributed to the fund.

Jacqui said: "We are so grateful to everyone who has sent money and to all the Journal readers who have helped raise funds.

"It's so nice for Josie to see that she is making a real difference."

The money donated to the Northern Institute for Cancer research will be used in a three-fold way - to make treatment as effective as possible, to target cancers which are currently incurable and to uncover why cancer among children is on the increase.

Yesterday, Professor Josef Vormoor, of the institute, collected the giant cheque.

He said: "It's an absolutely fantastic contribution. It is people like Josie who make a real difference and this money will go a long way."

And money from Journal readers is not just going towards research.

Donations from the Josie Grove Fund are already being used to transform the teenager cancer unit at the hospital.

Josie and many of her friends on the ward have already picked out bright colours for the rooms and money will be used to buy a new television, DVDs and leisure equipment.

The former Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham, pupil said: "It's really good to make a difference."

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The Journal is urging readers 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 fund.

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

Sponsorship forms are available by email or post from The Journal.

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.