Scirocco (Almost!) 2 Morocco 2008 4 Leukaemia & Lymphoma

Any rich people out there who want to save a Scirocco ?

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:36:31 PST

.

I guess that it's not a surprising fact that due to increases in the cost of...well everything really !I have had to take the decision to retire the old Scirocco to the driveway whilst I consider my options.

Running 3 cars in the UK is not a very good way of saving money, and sadly there is no real recognition for some bloke who runs a car to promote a charity......not being an MP I can't claim "expenses" for such an extravagance! :-)

Insuring the Golf TD has just cost me £500. The wife's Skoda Roomster cost almost £300 and the Scirocco (limited to 3000 miles per year) cost £150 .So having to choose which car I was going to use as my daily came down not to preference, but economy, so the Golf TD which returns a good 55mpg has now stepped into the Scirocco's shoes as my daily commuting vehicle (the Scirocco was costing me £13 per day in fuel as it could ,at best,manage approx 35-37 per gallon.

To add insult to injury I now have the Scirocco on the drive without MOT or Road Tax as they both expired in December. And to add injury to insult and injury...she has developed something of a swimming pool in her rear footwell's which has resulted in me having to remove the seats and strip back the carpets!.....and the battery keeps going flat!.......

If anyone reading this post fancies helping me keep the old girl (25 in March) on the road to continue her work with Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, please make yourself known :-)

In my experience an unused car is so much more likely to have a major breakdown than a daily drive, and i would hate that to happen to a car that has become something of a minor celebrity in the VW world.

Now.....when is the lottery being drawn again?

.

Called by 02078340997 ? PPI company? Read on....

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:46:03 PST

I was called the other day by an Asian sounding chap who, after telling me who i was (!), then started to bang on about PPI's. Not sure what he was trying to sell/survey/promote, but he was very persistent in asking if we had claimed a PPI mis sell or if we intended too. He also asked if we did decide to claim would it be for a loan or Mortgage?.

After telling him that I was not interested in discussing this with him he rang off, so i did the old 1471 and the number 02078340997 was the number it logged.

Having Googled the number it appears that an awful lot of folks are getting similar calls......but why?

Anyone else had these calls? If so, please leave a comment with your experience after this post and maybe we can shed some light on what these calls are about, or more to the point...what are they up too?

This is one possibilty perhaps:

"

Bogus PPI refund scam

Written by Administrator
Sunday, 01 January 2012 12:36
Bogus caller scam warning Lothian and Borders Police are urging the public to remain vigilant following a new bogus-caller scam operating in Edinburgh. A 64-year-old man received a call from a male claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice Department in London. The caller informed him he was due a PPI refund, which he could collect after wiring an administration fee to a lawyer in India. However, the man became suspicious and refused to transfer any money. He then contacted police who are warning others not to fall foul of this scam. A police spokesman said: “The issue of PPI refunds is very topical at the moment and these fraudsters are attempting to capitalise on this. ”Anyone who receives a similar call should not provide any personal details or agree to transfer money and should contact police immediately.” Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111"

>I have a short recording of my conversation with the chap on the phone, and, once i figure out how, i will post that up on here also<

.

Dr Terry Hamblin, champion of Leukaemia sufferers ,has died.

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:50:53 PST

The workd has lost a leading light in the fight against Leukaemia with the sad news that Terry Hamblin passed away on Sunday.

Terry's name is recognized by a huge number of people around the world as an authority on the subject of CLL and like many many others I always found solace in his friendly and reassuring articles on his blog "Mutations of Mortality".

Click HERE to read the article posted in the Bournemouth Echo:

The world today is a much poorer place with his passing. RIP Terry, you where an inspiration and a champion for the many CLL sufferers around the Globe.

To read the many interesting posts covering a wide range of subjects, not only CLL, on his excellent Blog click HERE.

.
.

Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi fights Lymphoma.

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:05:03 PST

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi is to undergo treatment for cancer after being diagnosed with lymphoma. His bandmates - with whom he has recently been reunited to record a new album - have asked for fans to send 'positive vibes' to the 63-year-old musician. The hard rock pioneers recently reformed with their original line-up to work on their first album together for 33 years. A statement released on behalf of the band said: 'Iommi is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan -the Iron Man of rock & roll remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.' The group, widely credited with creating heavy metal, insist they will plough on with plans for the new album. Black Sabbath had also lined up a series of major dates during the year. Iommi and colleagues Ozzy Osbourne, bass player Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward announced last year that they were together again once more. They had been writing and recording in Los Angeles with producer Rick Rubin on an album due for release in the autumn.

A poem/song written for Nathan Cook

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:59:47 PST

.

This poem, or perhaps song, was written on the first day of this year for local lad Nathan Cook who so tragically died only a few days ago when he developed Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). Written by song writter L.J Radnor from Nashville,USA.

I though it was worth sharing with you...........

smile for you

Wishing you were here, still can’t believe you’re gone
But I know that you are with us, to keep us going strong
Just to hold you once again, there’s nothing we want more
To hear your voice again, but the tears begin to fall

You gave it all you had, until the very end
No one could have fought braver, so until we meet again
Your memory will never fade, and all that you once knew
We’ll send all our love to heaven, and share a smile for you

You inspired those around you, loved with all your heart
But now you are an Angel, wish we didn’t have to part
There’s not a day goes by, since you went away
That we wished with all our hearts, it was yesterday

You gave it all you had, until the very end
No one could have fought braver, so until we meet again
Your memory will never fade, and all that you once knew
We’ll send all our love to heaven, and share a smile for you

All our love and kisses, are yours eternally
Wishing that you were here, where you’re supposed to be
Your memory will never fade, but as we shed a tear for you
We’ll send all our love to heaven, and share a smile for you

You gave it all you had, until the very end
No one could have fought braver, so until we meet again
Your memory will never fade, and all that you once knew
We’ll send all our love to heaven, and share a smile for you

L. J. Radnor 01/01/12

This video was posted on Youtube recently. Has a brilliant song as it's soundtrack.....

.

Gary Ablett dies of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma aged 46

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:39:34 PST

.

Well know footballer Gary Ablett has died aged 46 after he sadly lost his battle with nob-hodgkins lyjmphoma.

Gary was born in Aigburth, a Merseyside suburb. After leaving school he joined Liverpool as an apprentice in 1983, and made his debut as a substitute in a goalless draw with Charlton Athletic in December 1986. By the 1987-88 season, he was the established left-back. A rather gangly defender, he was one of the underrated players in Kenny Dalglish's talented squad that included the famous attacking trio of John Barnes, John Aldridge and Peter Beardsley.
To read more about this story please click HERE.
.

Leukaemia.Please learn how to spot the symptoms of this cruel disease....

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:57:52 PST

This week I heard the shocking news that a local healthy teenage boy had died from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) after initially feeling unwell for a few days during the Christmas holidays.

My two daughters attend the same school, and had known Nathan for many years. There was no warning of the Leukaemia or of the fatal outcome...it was such a tragic event. I can only try to imagine what his family must be going through right now.

How can this sort of thing happen? How can a normal, healthy teenager suddenly go from being a little off colour to being seriously ill and then die?

Well the answer is mostly due to the way that Leukaemia presents itself in the individual, in the way it mimics the effects of a heavy cold or flu. The wolf is, in the case of this disease,very well hidden in sheep's clothing.

Sadly, what happened to this young man this week has happened too many times before.Please make sure that if you have any suspicion that the cold may be anything more or you recognize any of the symptoms mentioned below give NHS Direct a call, just to be on the safe side.

NHS Direct can be called on 08454647 or click HERE to view their website.

Symptoms that MAY indicate Leukaemia but are by no means unique to this illness.

1

Look for red pin points under the surface of the skin.

This condition is caused by blood finding its way out of the capillaries near the surface of the skin. Its technical name is petechiae. This is often due to a lowering of the platelet count due to the ongoing affects of leukemia.

Pay attention to ongoing fatigue and weakness in the body.

Especially in children this should be a sign for concern. Children are active and energetic, playful and full of life. Weakened children who are always in need of rest may have a serious condition. Any active human being, child or adult, who faces ongoing unexplainable fatigue is showing signs of a problem. Leukemia may or may not be the culprit, but a visit to your health care provider is in order.

Notice any aching or bone pain.

Leukemia affects the bone marrow and spreads out to affect the rest of the body through the blood. Do not put off getting bone pain checked out as it is one of the common leukemia symptoms. As with all cancers, cancer treatments for leukemia are most effective when the disease is discovered early.

Report any swollen lymph nodes or hard places in the abdomen.

In lymphatic leukemia the nodes can swell to unusual size. Note around the neck, armpits, and groin where any swelling occurs and make an appointment for a full screening if you suspect something your symptoms are more than a brief illness.

Keep track of repeated infections or easy bruising..

Since leukemia affects the white blood cells, the body's ability to fight off infections is dramatically reduced. Keep records of your own or your child's infections and be sure that they are not forming a pattern. Easy bruising can also be a sign of the blood's low platelet count.

Our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts go out to this young mans family at this tragic time and judging by the hundreds of flowers laid both at his home and at the skate park across the road, many many others are also shocked and saddened by Nathan's passing.

.

.

Merry Christmas to all :-)

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:01:53 PST

I have not been posting quite so often as I once did on the old S2M blog. These days I just don't seem to have the time to spend on it. I have considered closing it down as, after almost 4 years, it has served it's purpose to promote the trip that myself and Glen did back in 2008, and more recently to spread the word in relation to Leukaemia and Lymphoma news from around the world.

I am not sure that there will ever be an opportunity to undertake a Scirocco2Morocco2 (the sequel) in the future,that would depend a lot on my health, Glens health and the health of my bank balance (it's not a cheap undertaking!). Lets just say that I would love to have another go at getting Scarlett into Africa, just to be able to close the book on that ambition :-).

Can I just now take a second to wish all of my readers a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy new year. Lets hope its a good one, without any fear......hang on.....was I just slipping into a John Lennon song?

Anyway folks, please keep sending your comments in to this blog, it's always nice to know that my ramblings get read at least a few times!.

Ho,ho ho......MERRY CHRISTMAS :-)

Andy

.

Dedboy - Christmas Number One. Awesome Crimbo Song!

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 09:10:24 PST

Just thought that you may like to know of a new Christmas song that is currently rocketing up the music charts.

Christmas Number One, written and performed by Chris Clark of Sleaford is THE NEW "can't get that tune out of my head" Christmas song :-).

Now available for download on AMAZON and itunes. (Amazon is cheaper !).

"Is that a real beard?"...... :-)

.

How to Unlock Orange San Francisco Android to any Network.

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:20:22 PST

.

Thought i would share this FREE link with you...save you paying some crafty Ebayer £3.50 for the code!.

Click on this link and then simply follow the instructions.....I have already done mine and it took all of 5 mins.

http://sanfranciscoandroid.co.uk/android/how-to-unlock-the-orange-san-francisco-zte-blade-for-free/

Enjoy :-)

Let me know how you get on.....

.

VistaPrint FREE calendar. Postage Cost Information.

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:50:04 PST

.
Having seen the Vista Print Advert on the telly i decided to have a closer look at the offer. Seems pretty good that you can get an A4 Photo quality colour Wall calendar for "FREE" doesn't it? Well lets just say that what they give you free in the calendar they may well recover in the postage costs when sending it to you!

As per usual in these sorts of offers the "Hidden" postage costs (by hidden I mean that they are not hugely announced in all the calendar blurb!) the info was not easily found, so i have saved you all a lot of bother and have instead sought the details on your behalf.....i am sooo good to you people! :-)

Total product cost of Wall Calendars: £4.99

Shipping and Processing Costs:

Rush	£14.95	3 Business Days (with order tracking)
Priority	£8.07	7 Days
Standard	£5.20	14 Days
Slow	£3.08	21 Days

Rush orders will arrive within 3 business days after today. Guaranteed Rush Delivery to US shipping addresses, excluding PO Boxes. Rush Delivery not available for Return Address Labels.

Options selected:

Quantity:

Country:

United Kingdom

Paper Stock:

Glossy Card Stock

Colour Options:

Greyscale Grid

So there you are!. If you want your "FREE" wall calendar to be delivered "Slow" within the UK in 3 WEEKS (via horse and cart I would guess!) you need to pay over £3 postage and if you want it within 3 days it costs you an astonishing £15!....although i would guess that this would be done via helicopter at that price!.

As my Gran used to say "You get nowt for nowt in this world"!.

.

Searching for the secrets behind the progression of CLL

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:25:16 PST

Scientists at Cardiff University have been awarded £216,500 by Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research to investigate mutations that cause the development of leukaemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a cancer in which the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, causing a range of problems with the immune system. It develops slowly, often over many years and while it is treatable, it remains incurable.

The Cardiff team, led by Dr Duncan Baird and Dr Chris Pepper, have discovered that testing for damage at the ends of chromosomes in CLL cells is an accurate predictor of the progression of the patient’s leukaemia.

The scientists hope that by studying the DNA damage within leukaemia cells further, they will be able to find ways to slow down the progression of CLL in patients. They have already discovered that ‘telomeres’, the caps on the end of chromosomes which protect them during cell division, are gradually shortened as the CLL progresses. When the telomeres become completely dysfunctional in the CLL cells, they can fuse together during cell division, making the cells even more malignant and accelerating the cancer in the blood.

Dr Baird, of the University’s School of Medicine, said, “Using CLL cells and the latest technology which allows us to detect tiny amounts of DNA, we will map exactly the link between chromosome damage and each stage of the cancer. The ultimate goal is to find ways to interfere with the process and develop drugs to actually stop the leukaemia progressing.”

Around 3,300 people are diagnosed with CLL in the UK every year. It is predominantly a blood cancer of later life, with most people diagnosed with CLL over 65 years old.

Cardiff University was named a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. The charity is currently investing £2 million into vital blood cancer research at the University.

Article sourced via the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research (UK) Website.

B-Movie Nowhere Girl Revamped ! Not bad at all!

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 13:12:18 PST

Very interesting results from CLL treatment trial

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:51:24 PST

Orange Monte Carlo Android Phone is AWESOME!

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:58:21 PDT

I got my new Orange Monte Carlo Phone this week and I have to say that it a brilliant bit of kit!.
My previous phone was the Orange San Francisco, also an Android phone but with a much smaller screen,lower resolution camera and it ran Android 2.2 (i routed it to Swedish Spring Froyo 2.2 from the original Eclair 2.1 system which it is shipped with by Orange).

The new phone specs are not market leading, but having had it now for a few days I am pretty impressed what Orange are able to supply for under £120....namely....

5 Mega Pixal Camera
4.3" LCD touch Screen
800 Mhz Processor
Android 2.3 (gingerbread...sadly loaded with unwanted Orange branded apps!...will sort that later!)
nice solid feeling case. Some reviews contradict this statement but I stand by my observation :-)

If you fancy an all singing Android with a few more bells and whistles then buy an HTC or a Samsung. If you want a bloody nice phone which can do 90% of the functions (minus, flash, sadly!)of it's more expensive brethren AND want change out of £120 quid then this is the phone for you.

The Orange Monte Carlo then. Buy one now and laugh at all of those mad Apple iphone lemmings who still think they are soooooo cool :-).

.

Dear Samsung and Apple....

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 02:25:40 PDT

.
Grow up, stop bickering and acting like a pair of spoilt children!.

I refering of course to the pathetic bloody squabbling that is currently taking place between these 2 giants of the technology world in relation to alleged copyright infringements.

Apple have managed to get the sale of Samsung products banned in some countries, and Samsung are now counter suing Apple on similar copyright grounds.

So where, Mr Samsung and Mr Apple, does your "valued" customer come amongst all your pathetic altracations?

Grow up the pair of you.

Thank God no smart arse patented the wheel......we would still be in the bloody stone age.....although the legal system would be a very wealthy industry!

Oh and here is an idea. When you stop being arses can you donate the remaining legal fee cash to something worth fighting....like cancer ;-)
.

WPC Rachel Hewitt tells colleagues her daughter has Leukaemia, then uses cash for riding lessons!

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:16:58 PDT

.

What can I say? This woman is a disgrace to her family, friends and children. How on earth she can still show her face in public is beyond me. Not heard this story yet? Let me enlighten you...............................

A WPC has been arrested over claims she lied about a daughter having cancer, then used cash raised for her to fund her other girl's showjumping career.

Rachel Hewitt, 39, was given a year off work after telling police chiefs her daughter Natasha, 15, was suffering from leukaemia.

Kind-hearted bobbies are said to have raised £20,000 for the family.

To read more click HERE.

DARE by the Human League. My memories of the album.

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:23:38 PDT

I remember walking down Eather Avenue in Mansfield Woodhouse in December of 1981 with my new "DARE" LP clutched under my arm.
I was making my way to my friend John Gardners house and the plan was to get everything ready for the Christmas party that he was throwing that night.
I was 15 1/2 years old and a student at Manor Comprehensive school in Mansfield Woodhouse. I lived on Slant lane and this record, this LP this revelation was to become my musical companion on and off for the next 30 years!.

DARE. Apparently the title was taken from a cover of a Vogue magazine. The pictures of each member of the group annexed in small boxes on the outside and inside the crisp white cover also echo that style of the fashion magazine genre.

DARE. It seems strange to say it, but I never acknowledged the fact that the Leagues biggest single "Don't you want me" was one of the tracks on the LP....strange, because it was in fact their best selling single ever, yet it was viewed by Phil Oakey as being a "Weak" track and thus it sat at number 10 on the track list. Of course this single, which I forgot was on this album!, went on to top the UK charts and amazingly it allowed the group to claim the accolade of having both a number one Album and a number one single in the charts simultaneously!.

Yes, i love this album with it's wonderful stirring synth sounds and its haunting and though provoking lyrics. I have seen the League twice now, once at Rock City in Nottingham and again at the Newark Water festival......and they are still the best group EVER :-)

"I believe i believe what the old man said though i know that there's no lord above, i believe in me and i believe in you and you know i believe in love, i believe in truth though i lie a lot and i feel the pain from the push and shove no matter what you put me through i'll still believe in love"

Note* Old man = Lou Reed!

. Wow...what a ramble that was ! :-)
.

Guest Blogger David Haas tells us a little about the importance of fitness in fighting cancer.

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:37:50 PDT

A few days ago I was contact by David Haas who asked if it would be ok to submit an article for inclusion into the S2M blog. Of course I was more than happy to allow him to do so, and so, without further delay, here is David's Article......

The Benefits of Fitness with Cancer Patients

It is difficult for an individual to go through cancer. However, when a person includes a fitness program as part of the treatment regime, it can be beneficial. This improvement helps individuals whether they have just been diagnosed with cancer, going through treatments or in remission. According to the National Cancer Institute, physical activity and fitness provide numerous benefits for cancer patients. Cancer patients from different walks of life and differing diagnosis’ can all benefit from implementing a routine that suits them and the treatments they are going through. Although exercise is very beneficial for patients, a person undergoing breast cancer treatment should have a different routine than someone going through a rare cancer like mesothelioma. There are many benefits of exercise for patients that can extend even past treatments.

Improved Quality of Life

Cancer patients reported an improved quality of life with a fitness program. This included mental, physical and psychological well-being. As the individual felt better, this boosted the self-confidence as well.

Longer Lifespan

Studies have shown that individuals who exercise on a regular basis have a longer lifespan than people who did not have a fitness program. Along with a longer lifespan, studies have also shown a reduction in the risk of the cancer returning.

Improved Stamina

Cancer patients who engaged in physical activity reported improved stamina levels. There was also a reduction in fatigue levels as a result of a fitness program. The energy levels of the patient improved as they had the energy to attend to other demands, which are required in a cancer patient’s life.

Weight Control

Physical activity also plays a key role in weight control. Individuals who work out on a regular basis either lost weight or maintained a healthy weight for their height and age. However, people who did not exercise regularly reported weight gain due to increased fatigue levels and reduced stamina.

Reduced Risk of Certain Diseases

Studies have shown a reduced risk of obtaining certain diseases with people who exercised on a regular basis. There was a reduced risk of patients getting hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. The improved health as a result of a fitness program also reduced the chances of getting diabetes and heart disease.

Exercise is beneficial for individuals of all ages. This is especially true for people with cancer. In addition to other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, a fitness program can be a beneficial aspect of a mesothelioma treatment regime. It is important to consult with a doctor before starting an exercise program. The doctor will be able to point you to an exercise program that is right for you.

By: David Haas

Many thanks to David for that, and lets hope that he continues to submit many more interesting and informative articles onto the blog in the future :-)

Breakthrough in Mixed Lineage Leukaemia (MLL) Drug Search

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:41:31 PDT

.

British scientists conducting early-stage research have found that a potential new drug from GlaxoSmithKline could treat mixed-lineage leukaemia(MLL) - the most common form of leukaemia in babies.

In a study published in the journal Nature, scientists from the British drug maker collaborating with the charity Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and Cellzome AG found that the experimental drug, called I-BET151, mimics a chemical tag which is key to preventing the process of activating the leukaemia genes.

To read the full story click HERE.

.

New Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Information Film with Steve Coogan.

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:15:31 PDT

Very informative video! Well done Steve and the crew :-)

An immune system engineered to Kill Leukaemia cells....

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:10:36 PDT

PHILADELPHIA — A year ago, when chemotherapy stopped working against his leukemia, William Ludwig signed up to be the first patient treated in a bold experiment at the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Ludwig, then 65, a retired corrections officer from Bridgeton, N.J., felt his life draining away and thought he had nothing to lose.

Doctors removed a billion of his T-cells — a type of white blood cell that fights viruses and tumors — and gave them new genes that would program the cells to attack his cancer. Then the altered cells were dripped back into Mr. Ludwig’s veins.

At first, nothing happened. But after 10 days, hell broke loose in his hospital room...............

To read the full incredible story click HERE.

Robin Hood Marathon today. Scarlett's last outing !

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 09:09:39 PDT

.

After rather a hectic trip over to Nottingham today to display the car for LLRF I have decided that this would be the last time that Scarlett will be attending shows dressed in her 2010 50th anniversary attire. It's time for a change, and a rest. 4 years promoting the LLRF has been great fun, but now i have other things in my life that need my attention.

Thanks for everyone's support over the years, and don't worry, i will still be "Keepin on Roccin" for some time yet ! :-)

Andy

.

An amazing breakthrough in Leukaemia treatment may be available in 5 years.

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:02:53 PDT

A simple injection to cure Leukaemia could be produced within five years after a remarkable breakthrough by a British research team.

They believe they have found a way to trigger the body's immune system to beat a disease which kills 4,000 people a year in this country. The same techniques may eventually be advanced to treat other cancers, such as breast and lung, they say.

The breakthrough follows six years of research, funded by the Leukaemia Research Fund, at London's Hammersmith Hospital and Imperial College School of Medicine.

It involves two strands, firstly to 'label' the cancerous cells, and secondly to mass-produce immune cells outside the body which can then be injected to search and destroy the malignant ones. In the future, the researchers hope to use the technique to 'wake up' a patient's own immune system to destroy malignant cells without using donor cells.

Dr Hans Stauss, a tumour immunologist at Imperial, said: 'The possibilities for new treatments are enormous.' The first trial of the injection is about to begin on ten patients.

The 'labelling' was achieved by identifying a single gene which is over-active in leukaemia cells. It is referred to as WT-1. For the second strand, the researchers took white blood cells from healthy donors and isolated the few that mounted the fiercest response against tumour cells in the laboratory.

By cloning them, they were able to produce unlimited supplies of peak performance immune cells, called T-cells. In tests, the engineered immune cells specifically destroyed leukaemia cells and ignored normal cells of the same type.

'That's the beauty of the approach,' said Dr Stauss. 'It is so specific at destroying cancer cells.' He hopes to further develop the technique for after-care to ensure there is no recurrence of the cancer .The timescale is about five to six years before we see it widely used,' said Dr Stauss.

'The principle can be applied to almost all forms of leukaemia. What makes the work even more exciting is that our findings can also be applied to solid cancers, such as breast or lung cancer, where there is similar over-activity of WT-1.'

Lord Winston, director of research and development at the Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust, said: 'To the best of our knowledge this is the first time in the world that anyone has identified a target which allows T-cells to selectively destroy cells that cause leukaemia.

'Such a breakthrough underlines the vital importance of long-term academic research in the production of new and desperately needed treatments.'

Every year 5,000 cases of leukaemia are diagnosed in Britain and 4,000 victims die. It can be either acute, with rapid degeneration, or chronic, a slowly progressive form of the disease.

In both cases the bone marrow of the patient produces large numbers of abnormal, fast- dividing cells which inhibit the body's ability to produce blood. Chemotherapy is the recognised treatment. Sometimes bone marrow transplants are needed

Sleaford town council vs Tesco act 1

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 06:24:17 PDT

Well well. After a deafening silence for the last 3 years or so the Sleaford town council has at last found a voice and is challenging the proposed building of a Mega Tesco in the town.

They have put the proverbial spanner in the works for the planned development by refusing to sell an area of recreation land which it appears is key to the planned build going ahead......nice :-).

Of course the County Council may still be able to bypass this "hiccup" by way of securing a compulsory purchase order to aquire the required plot....unless of course the people of Sleaford take this opertunity to make a.stand against the "Tescoisation" and ruin of this ancient market town.

Closure of the level crossing and the rerouting of traffic directly to Tesco's store will without doubt sound the death knoll for many Sleaford businesses.

Come on Sleaford lets take heart and motivation from the town councils brave stance. Grow a pair and let your voice be heard!.