Your browser version is outdated. We recommend that you update your browser to the latest version.

                           SARCOMA RAISING AWARENESS 

Ian Strawson  is a retired painter and decorator with a passion for fuchsias. He is a national committee member of the British Fuchsia Society and, together with his partner Bonita Hesketh, has produced a new hybrid which they have named ‘Sarcoma UK’. All proceeds from the sale of this fuchsia will be donated to Sarcoma UK.

Ian says: “In spring 2015 I found a small lump at the back of my left thigh, which started to ache and grow. I went to my GP, who thought it was a cyst but sent me for scans and I was referred to the Royal Liverpool Hospital. The diagnosis was leiomyosarcoma – a soft tissue sarcoma.

"I had an operation nine days later and have made a good recovery – I am clear at the moment. I have been very lucky, with a good GP who sent me for tests. If I hadn’t been diagnosed so early, I might have lost my leg. My reason for releasing this fuchsia is to raise public and medical awareness of this type of cancer. I am very passionate about what I am doing for sarcoma awareness and with your help, hopefully we can save more lives.”

  1. Sarcoma is cancer. It can develop anywhere in the body.
     
  2. A key symptom of sarcoma is a lump that is increasing in size, often quickly.
     
  3. Sarcoma UK works with patients, carers, supporters, health professionals and researchers to drive awareness of sarcoma, promote early diagnosis and improve patient experience.
     
  4. Sarcoma UK has pledged to invest over £3million into sarcoma research by 2020 with the aim of finding effective treatment for the disease within the next 10 years.
     
  5. To find out more about sarcoma or to donate to Sarcoma UK visit www.sarcoma.org.uk
  6. MISSION STATEMENT
    Sarcoma UK's mission is to amplify sarcoma awareness, inspire involvement, and fund ground-breaking research to transform the lives of everyone affected by sarcoma.

    ABOUT SARCOMA

    1. Sarcoma is cancer. It can develop anywhere in the body. 10 people are diagnosed with sarcoma every day in the UK.
       
    2. Sarcoma is cancer of the bone or soft tissue.
       
    3. A key symptom of sarcoma is a lump that is increasing in size, often quickly.
       
    4. Sarcoma is one of the hardest cancers to diagnose. People visit their GP more times than those with any other form of cancer before being diagnosed with sarcoma.
       
    5. Early diagnosis could increase survival by 20%.
       
    6. Sarcoma is usually the size of a baked bean tin when diagnosed. If sarcoma is diagnosed when it is smaller than a golf ball, it would increase the chance of survival by at least 20%.
       
    7. People with sarcoma tend to be younger than most people with cancer. 16% of sarcomas are diagnosed in people under 30, compared to only 2% of all other cancers.

    ABOUT SARCOMA UK

    1. Sarcoma UK works with patients, carers, supporters, health professionals and researchers to drive awareness of sarcoma, promote early diagnosis and improve patient experience.
       
    2. Sarcoma UK has pledged to invest over £3million into sarcoma research by 2020 with the aim of finding effective treatment for the disease within the next 10 years.
       
    3. Sarcoma UK is the only UK charity providing personal support and expert information on sarcoma. In February 2016, the charity launched their national Support Line. 
       
    4. Sarcoma UK aims to increase survival rates by at least 10% by 2020.  Early diagnosis saves lives.
       
    5. Sarcoma UK provides education and training for GPs to help them recognise the symptoms of sarcoma.

    DOWNING STREET PARTNERSHIP

    1. Sarcoma UK was chosen as 10 Downing Street’s Charity of the Year (2016)  in memory of Chris Martin, Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, who died of sarcoma in November 2015.