Darren Wilkinson's Big Fight
Donation protected
To the wonderful family of runners and supporters who are connected for so many reasons; running, health and very often, fundraising and charity work. Today we have a huge ask, many of you will know Darren and Mel Wilkinson, runners and local race directors and right now they could do with our help . Many of you will also know the huge battle that Darren is currently experiencing with his health. Several months ago, Darren was diagnosed with an usual benign tumour in his jaw called an ‘Ameloblastoma’ . Ameloblastoma is an exceptionally rare benign bone tumour accounting for 1%, of all head and neck tumours. It's not cancerous but if surgery doesn't remove it all then it can start to grow in other areas and become malignant. It can’t be detected through normal dental check ups other than an x- ray and then biopsy. They are the silent killer as they hide and eat away at the jaw.
On this basis, a few weeks ago Darren underwent major surgery having most of his jaw (and teeth) removed. Whilst the surgery itself was not risk free, it had hoped that this would resolve the problem. However, he has hit one complication after another including sepsis, complications of the surgery itself and now the ultimate devastating news that the whole procedure has to be redone. As we write this, Darren is struggling with the extreme pain from the surgical attempts to regrow his jaw bone. He cannot speak, eat or drink and he cannot come home to his wife Mel and through all this he is fully aware that the road ahead is long and far from guaranteed.
Despite all of their problems, Darren and Mel have worked tirelessly since the diagnosis to fundraise and raise awareness of Darren’s condition, and now we would like to do something for them.
Darren will not return to work anytime soon, if at all, and like most families in this situation, finance is a further strain and worry for them. It’s with this in mind that we, along with yourselves, could make a little difference and remove a little of their worry.
This fundraiser is to help this lovely couple meet their immediate bills and living costs and allow Darren to focus on the surgeries that lie ahead and ultimately a recovery.
If friends, family and ultimately you members of the running community could donate a small amount (it doesn’t matter how small), it will make a real difference. We know you are all great at giving back so lets do this and help one of our running friends come through this illness. Let him and his wife feel the wealth of support we can offer!
On this basis, a few weeks ago Darren underwent major surgery having most of his jaw (and teeth) removed. Whilst the surgery itself was not risk free, it had hoped that this would resolve the problem. However, he has hit one complication after another including sepsis, complications of the surgery itself and now the ultimate devastating news that the whole procedure has to be redone. As we write this, Darren is struggling with the extreme pain from the surgical attempts to regrow his jaw bone. He cannot speak, eat or drink and he cannot come home to his wife Mel and through all this he is fully aware that the road ahead is long and far from guaranteed.
Despite all of their problems, Darren and Mel have worked tirelessly since the diagnosis to fundraise and raise awareness of Darren’s condition, and now we would like to do something for them.
Darren will not return to work anytime soon, if at all, and like most families in this situation, finance is a further strain and worry for them. It’s with this in mind that we, along with yourselves, could make a little difference and remove a little of their worry.
This fundraiser is to help this lovely couple meet their immediate bills and living costs and allow Darren to focus on the surgeries that lie ahead and ultimately a recovery.
If friends, family and ultimately you members of the running community could donate a small amount (it doesn’t matter how small), it will make a real difference. We know you are all great at giving back so lets do this and help one of our running friends come through this illness. Let him and his wife feel the wealth of support we can offer!
Organizer and beneficiary
Its Grim Up North
Organizer
Melanie Morison
Beneficiary
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