"Thank you for reading Bradley's story. Please donate what you can".
Diana Chance
The Bradley Marshall Remembrance Fund
Raising vital funds for life saving research into primary bone cancer
Bradley's Story
Bradley was a kind boy, he had lots of friends and enjoyed school. A talented musician, Bradley played piano and drums, he was in a band and loved to DJ. He played snooker and was a yellow belt in taekwondo.
In April 2009 when Bradley was 15 years old, he started to complain of back ache. He went to the GP who sent him for an X-ray, but nothing was picked up and the pain was put down to growing pains and sports injuries..
Over the next few months, Bradley was still struggling with the pain, and in November 2009, a protrusion started to show in his back. He was missing school due to the severe pain. Knowing there was something wrong, Bradley’s mum pushed for an MRI scan. This scan showed a tumour on Bradley’s pelvis, he was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in December 2009.
We had never heard of Ewing's sarcoma or primary bone cancer, and we certainly didn't know any other families who had been through the same thing as us. We had to be guided by what the hospital doctors said.
Bradley’s treatment began in the new year of 2010. Bradley underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It was hoped that this treatment would shrink the tumour so the diseased bone could be removed by surgery and replaced by bone from Bradley’s leg.
Bradley would shut himself away when he wasn't feeling good but he always remained positive throughout his treatment, never once saying “why me”. He just wanted to live a normal life. Bradley went to school when he could , and him and his sister Cara were awarded The Ryder Cup for adversity. He passed some of his GCSE’s, and throughout his diagnosis and treatment, his girlfriend stuck by him, and they got engaged.
During Bradley’s chemotherapy, he discovered the cancer had spread into his spine, and was told that surgery was no longer an option. The treatment would prolong his life, but the family were told there was no cure and at this point mum Diana knew he wouldn't survive the cancer.
In July 2011, Bradley had a major setback, he was unable to stand and was taken into Maidstone Hospital . He was so poorly, and from here, Bradley went to the Ellenor Hospice in Gravesend.
Bradley passed away on 20 October 2011.
Supporting The Bradley Marshall Remembrance Fund
Bradley’s mum Diana, set up The Bradley Marshall Remembrance Fund as a lasting memorial for Bradley.
“The same treatment is being used now as it was for Bradley over 10 years ago. The treatment is so harsh and hard on their young bodies as they try to live a life between treatments. More research is needed so there are kinder treatments and better outcomes. Earlier diagnosis is also so important. The team at UCLH where Bradley was treated could see the tumour on Bradley's original X-Ray, this was missed due to lack of expertise at out local hospital”. Diana Chance, Bradley's mum
News
Bone Cancer Research Trust invests almost NINE times more into primary bone cancer research than leading UK charities
£500,000 new research grant awarded to investigate resistance to chemotherapy in osteosarcoma
Bone Cancer Research Trust makes largest commitment to primary bone cancer research
Research
Preventing the Growth and Spread of Osteosarcoma
Development of a targeted methotrexate prodrug with enhanced therapeutic index for osteosarcoma
Oxford Sample Collection Infrastructure Grant
Gallery
Text BCRT BRADLEY TO 70800 to give £5
You can make a donation or pay in funds raised by cheque, payable to Bone Cancer Research Trust, to:
Bone Cancer Research Trust, 10 Feast Field, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4TJ.
Please ensure you make it clear that the donation is for The Bradley Marshall Remembrance Fund so that your donation is allocated to the correct fund.
100% of donations to The Bradley Marshall Remembrance Fund will go towards our vital work.