Easingwold Leukaemia Survivor Urges Yorkshire Residents To Join Walk To Beat Blood Cancer

NEW PRESS RELEASE.

Easingwold leukaemia survivor Harvey Greenwood is urging people from across Yorkshire to step up for a five-kilometre sponsored walk through York to raise money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

The 39-year-old, who has walked hundreds of miles to support groundbreaking research into blood cancers, is inviting people of all ages to join him for the York Forget Me Not Walk on Sunday 3 October and help the charity find better treatments and cures for leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Harvey was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in March 2001, a moment he describes as “the most frightening time of my life”. Fortunately, Harvey responded well to Imatinib, a drug developed through research, and is now able to manage the disease by taking daily medication.

Determined to ensure that other patients continue to have access to the best possible treatments, Harvey joined cricket legend Sir Ian Botham on his 25th Anniversary walk to beat childhood leukaemia earlier this year, and completed a gruelling 270-mile trek along the Pennine Way in June, raising a combined total of £7,500 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

Now Harvey is stepping out for the York Forget Me Not Walk on Sunday 3 October with his wife Fiona and daughters, and asking other families to join them in walking to beat blood cancers.

Harvey says: ”Every mile I’ve walked for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research has been about giving something back and making sure other patients benefit from the chances I’ve had. It’s vital that everyone diagnosed with one of these diseases has access to the best possible treatments.

Sign up and join us for the York Forget Me Not Walk. Everyone is welcome; it’s not competitive, so you can take in the historic sites at your own pace, and help make a difference to the lives of patients and families touched by blood cancers.”

On the day, walkers will set out from the York Castle Museum at 10am at a leisurely pace. The five-kilometre route will take participants through the centre of the historic city passing the iconic Gothic Minster before returning to the museum, where walkers can collect a well-earned medal.

Those wishing to join in should contact James Wright on 020 7269 9006 or visit www.forgetmenotwalks.com. The entry fee is £7.50 for adults, £5 for children aged 12 or under, and just £20 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. The fee includes a t-shirt and medal.

Get Our Pennine Way Updates In Your Inbox!

A quick reminder for everyone looking to follow where we are, our adventures, thoughts and traumas on the Pennine Way that the best way to follow is to pop your e-mail in the ‘E-mail Subscription’ box on the right hand side menu and then as we update the news will go straight to your inbox as we post – so it’s just like reading an e-mail – cool eh!

We will be only using this as a daily update (technology and service allowing!) – all short updates will be on Facebook and you can join our group by clicking through on the FB logo also on the right hand side menu!

…Two Days To Go!….tick, tock, tick, tock!!!…..

Up For It – Harvey’s Pennine Way Challenge!

By Paul Courtney

It was on a cold dark winters evening when I first read Harvey’s story on Facebook that my dream of walking The Pennine Way took its first steps to reality.

After reading Harvey’s story I was provoked into action and determined to do the walk with him and for him although we had never spoke or even met yet! Anyway what I had got to lose?

We weren’t friends so I couldn’t lose one but maybe at the end of it all I might even gain a new one.

For anyone that knows me or has played sport against me they me will know how fiercely competitive I am. So failing this challenge is not an option and I’m really excited and enthusiastic about helping turn Harvey’s challenge into a positive outcome.

Initially we spoke and pledged our commitment to the challenge that lay ahead and quietly went about our own training and exercise regimes.

I must admit it came as a bit of a shock to the system when Harvey suggested we should train with full 25lb packs. My pack seems heavier every time I pick it up but now I’m used to it I can hike 15 miles or so without any discomfort.

I met Harvey about a month ago when I had the opportunity to do a training walk of 11 miles with Harvey and his mum from his house.

Paul & Harvey

Harvey’s mum will be joining us on the Pennine Way to do a walk of similar length. All credit to her, I really look forward to her company once again on the day hoping the weather will be as kind to us as before.

It was a wonderful experience to meet Harvey and his nearest and dearest and to be welcomed into their home. It was this that finally personalised everything for me.

After our initial get together we arranged another walk on the Pennine Way itself to get a feel for what lay ahead.

Once in Edale I felt the excitement and anticipation building up inside me although very much in awe of the challenge that we’re faced with.

The scenery in the dale is so much more dramatic and rugged and it was obvious that in whatever direction you walked would require a fair amount of strenuous effort to escape the lower reaches of the valley.

Walking is so much more tiring with hills in the way … how many will we have to climb??

Did I read somewhere we will have to climb more than the total ascent of Everest over the course of the Pennine Way!!!

It was on this second meeting that Harvey and I became more familiar with one another’s company. You know … friendly banter, sharing a few funny stories. Although at one point I’d made some witty comment about Harvey and he did say we have a word for you where we come from!! (which I won’t repeat lol)

And this was after Harvey had spent some time clowning around up to his waist in a peat bog and on subsequent occasions giving admiring glances to passing sheep.

I did some further training on the Pennine Way this last weekend with my friend Julie and it appears that since Harvey has introduced himself to the sheep they have now become overly friendly…

Julie on Kinder Scout

The countdown has begun and I’m entering the final stages of preparation for “Harvey’s Pennine Way Challenge.”

The run up to D-Day has required a lot of planning and preparation from both of us and it’s a huge relief that most of the arrangements are now firmly in place.

Maybe one more training walk and some cycling this week then a few days of rest before the big “off” on Sunday.

Some final adjustments of kit and if this weather continues more shorts and sunscreen will be required.

I’ll also be making one last push to boost the sponsorship kitty.

Initially I just signed up to do the walk but then decided to support Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research hoping to get at least a further £500 to put into the pot.

I’ve managed to surpass that figure this week so everything else will be a bonus. Many thanks to all who have supported me and donated towards the charity.

So without further ado I’d like to wish Harvey the best of luck for the walk and hope that it’s going to be the adventure of a lifetime for both us. I look forward to posting stories of our adventure as it unfolds over the following weeks…. Cheers!!!

By Paul Courtney

On BBC Radio York with Jonathan Cowap Today!

Catch up on my interview on Jonathan Cowap’s morning show at BBC Radio York today.

Starts 1 hour 6 minutes in to programme.

One Week To Go For The Pennine Way Challenge!

The start of my Pennine Way challenge is fast approaching and with a hectic last few weeks of organisation and training walks things seem to be on track!

I am absolutely delighted to have Paul Courtney on board for the whole 265 mile walk.

Paul contacted me a few months ago after finding my group on Facebook when researching walking the Pennine Way for himself – like me a goal he has had for a few years!

Paul has been fantastic in supporting with training walks, kit lists and organisation and has been kind enough to join my fundraising activities for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research for the challenge culminating in a piece in his local newspaper this week.

I am sure Paul will add his thoughts to the blog as we go – not least on how he is managing to put up with me day in, day out!

Paul, Hinkley Times

My uncle, Ian, has also been instrumental with advice on plans, kit and fundraising activity. It is great to have family involved in the project.

The training walks for Paul and I have included full pack weight adventures around the areas we live and also enabled us to hook up for a look at the beginning of the Pennine Way from Edale a couple of weeks ago.

Harvey & Paul on Kinder Scout

We conquered the original start route of the Pennine Way across the peat bogs of Kinder Scout, great practice of navigation skills for us both, so after we have done the first day next week we can proudly say we have done both Pennine Way starts after returning to Edale ‘southbound’ on our day of training!

Jacobs Ladder Pennine Way Southbound

Other practice days have taken me on part of the Pennine Way route from Hardraw up Great Shunner Fell with Ian and his friend Paul.

The main surprise from both these sections of the route was how dry the ground is. After the winter of snow I was expecting the ground to have held more water.

Hopefully a continued dry spell will keep the conditions underfoot in a dry state for us over the next four weeks – although for walking weather we are hoping for dry, but cloudy weather to avoid the heat whilst hiking!

Last night I was back in the BBC Radio York studios for a pre-record on my story with Jonathan Cowap for his weekday morning show which is due to be aired some time next week (watch this space!)

As well as the monetary fundraising it is also very important to me to raise the profile and awareness of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research so any opportunity to share my experience and thoughts are always welcome.

A follow up to the Sir Ian walk in the local newspapers has helped raise the profile locally and with more activities in the community planned my conversations tend to be greeted with ‘How are plans going for your walk?’ which can only be a good thing for the charity.

So, we are down to final plans this week and looking forward to some dry weather!

New Press Release – Easingwold Leukaemia Patient Going The Extra Mile To Beat Blood Cancer

An Easingwald leukaemia patient, who joined Sir Ian Botham on the cricket legend’s walk for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research earlier this month, is preparing to take his fundraising for the blood cancer charity a step further.

Harvey Greenwood, 39, has challenged himself to walking The Pennine Way, to ensure that blood cancer patients continue to have access to the best possible treatments.

“It was great to meet Sir Ian and spend some time with him, he’s an inspiration”, says Harvey, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in March 2001 and is able to manage the disease by taking daily medication.

“Without the research I may not be here today, so walking with Beefy and taking on The Pennine Way seemed like perfect opportunities to give something back”.

Setting out on 30 May, Harvey is aiming to complete his exhausting journey in less than three weeks by walking an average of 15 miles a day.

Undaunted by the gruelling 270-mile trek, which will take him from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland, the-father-of-two is determined to help Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research get closer to a cure.

Thanks to the support of friends and family, he has already raised a fantastic total of £2,000 to help the charity fund further groundbreaking research into leukaemia.

“Being told I had leukaemia was the most frightening time of my life”, says Harvey. “The doctors were amazed that I had walked through the door at all. I’ve been very lucky and I’m proof that the research works, but there’s still more to be done. I want everyone touched by leukaemia to have the chances I’ve had”.

Kate White, Director of Fundraising at Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research says: “It’s fantastic that Harvey is doing so much to support Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and we wish him the best of luck with his walk – it sounds like the challenge of a lifetime!

All the money raised will help Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research invest in vital research into new treatments and cures for leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research was previously known as Leukaemia Research. The charity, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2010, has changed its name to raise awareness of its longstanding commitment to research into all the blood cancers, including lymphoma and myeloma – not just leukaemia.

You can support Harvey by visiting www.justgiving.com/harveygreenwood

Walking with Sir Ian Botham in Manchester on Beefy’s 2010 Forget Me Not Walk

We could not have woken early morning to a better day – glorious sunshine and not a cloud in the sky – for the trip across the Pennines to meet up with Sir Ian Botham on the first day on his 2010 Forget Me Not Walk in Manchester.

The morning weather was befitting of the day to follow.

An easy trip across the M62 (how often can you say that!) left enough time for the family travelling from separate locations to gather for communal breakfast in Manchester city centre before heading to Marks and Spencer to meet with Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research walk organisers for my brief on how the cheque presentation to Sir Ian was going to work.

Outside M&S was a hive of activity with street charity collectors being briefed, walk organisers directing and police patrolling on horseback and motorbikes and the almost surreal sight of a dozen or so Pontin’s bluecoats!

My brief was simple – be in place at the press photocall area 15 minutes before Sir Ian was due to arrive and amongst other fundraisers with sizeable cheques of their own I would be ushered in for a handshake, hello and photoshoot – and to top it off we could do one with family as well!

So with instructions sorted and a few minutes to spare we had a good opportunity for some more relaxed fun family photos and time to chat with other fundraisers.

With a crowd gathering excitement grew as first the Sky news van team arrived shortly followed by Sir Ian’s support van and crew.

Within minutes Sir Ian arrived in amongst a hustle of photographers and TV crews then calmly and openly worked though his on-the-spot interviews and swiftly into the photoshoot.

The Mayor of Manchester and Pontins bluecoats headed up the cast followed by the star young fundraisers and then we were on!

A smiley Sir Ian greeted me, congratulated me on the amount raised so far as I explained my Pennine Way Challenge and turned to be ‘papped’, swiftly joined by Fiona, the girls, Mum and long time friend and marathon running supporter Jayne whom were all walking Beefy’s Manchester Heaton Park walk with me.

With photo’s completed Sir Ian then headed to the start line and with a loud countdown from onlookers started his 12 miles for the day and 10 days of walking.

With the ‘pizzaz’ done it was a leisurely return to the cars for the drive to Heaton Park where we would join the rest of the Manchester walkers for the final 4 miles with Sir Ian.

With the sun still beaming (yes – even in Manchester the home of rain!) we were met at Heaton Park by Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research banners, gazebo’s and booming music from the Pontins promo team entertaining the kids.

There was a real summer feel for the first time this year – shorts, t-shirts and picnics were the order of the day whilst watching a junior cricket practice and croquet whilst we awaited Sir Ian’s arrival!

As news of Sir Ian’s imminent arrival came in the 150 or so public walkers gathered to cheer him into the park and swiftly (and for some of us not so swiftly!) follow him on the marked route around the park.

It was a fab walk on an undulating course. I have never been to Heaton Park before and have to say I was impressed. The sheer size helps with the house centrally located with woodland walk areas, acres of green grass to chill out on, a large boating lake and whilst we were there a travelling funfair.

The route meant we had to keep criss-crossing paths which was great as you would see Sir Ian leading the way back up the hill you were heading down or turning a corner in the distance with a trail of walkers behind and creating a white (due to the T-shirts) snake of people trekking around the park.

With the walk completed and fun had by all it was chance again to catch up with Sir Ian (both on foot and in person!) for another chat and to get my copy of his autobiography signed which has been on my bookcase since 1994!

A fantastic day had by all with collectively thousands of pounds raised, which at the end of the day is what it is all about!

Corporate Sponsors

It Was 9 Years Ago Today….

March 5th 2001, 9 years ago today – a life changing day in so many ways.

D-day, or diagnosis day for my leukaemia.

It is now a day I utilise not for partying but for reflection and to enjoy the minor things in life.

It is always easy to major on the minor things, however it is sometimes easy to forget how good family, friends, a nice walk, good view, and a nice glass of wine can be.

In reality we all take this for granted.

I certainly did just over 9 years ago. It is now something I appreciate more than anything in the world, everyday – however taking time out to think about it all – and I mean REALLY think about it all – is most often something we do not do. Trust me, it is worth every minute of the time out.

I’m just thankful I have the time out at all.

Today has been a beautiful day in more ways than one. The sun has been shining with clear skies with a slight cool breeze, the snowdrops have been shining and the crops are beginning to grow.

I notice these things now like nothing before.

I remember coming out of the hospital in Southampton 10 days after being diagnosed with arms like pincushions, hobbling from bone marrow tests taken from my pelvis, not knowing what the future held if anything at all, to be confronted out of the front door with a vivid yellow ’roundabout’ of daffodils. I can picture this site in my mind to this day. Two weeks before I am sure I would have not even noticed.

My rambling message is really not to take things for granted. Life can change at a moments notice, and there is so much in the world that is amazing – even the simple things – so make sure you do not miss them, because you just never know.

Here’s to going on forty feeling 9!

Corporate Sponsors

Interviewed by Russell Walker on BBC Radio York!

It has been an interesting morning after being inside the inner sanctum of BBC Radio York to be interviewed live on air by Russell Walker.

It is the first time I have been in a radio studio (apart from a 30 second recorded clip interview when I was 10!), it was great to see the set up and meet the team.

The 10 minute interview seemed to go in a flash, Russell was great and made it a relaxed chat about my story and fundraising walks with Sir Ian Botham and my Pennine Way Challenge.

I would also like to thank Anna Wallace who smoothed my transition into the studio which resulted in my dulcet tones being aired which can be heared by following the link below.

To listen you can go to my interview on the BBC iPlayer by clicking:

Harvey’s interview on BBC iPlayer

The interview starts on 43:00 minutes into Russell’s show and lasts for around 10 minutes. You can fast forward by dragging the time bar at the bottom along to the time.

Please be aware this is only on iPlayer for a few days, so if you come back at a later date and it is not there then sorry – it’s not under my control!

Corporate Sponsors

Walking with Sir Ian Botham

The PR team have been in full swing with an article in the York Press on Thursday 18th February, page 16, titled ‘Striding Out With Beefy’.

As part of my fundraising I will be walking with Sir Ian in Manchester prior to my Pennine Way Challenge.

The full press release below:

‘A leukaemia survivor is preparing to join one of his childhood heroes, Sir Ian Botham, in Manchester on 10 April for the first leg of the cricketing legend’s walk for leading blood cancer charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

Harvey Greenwood, 39, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in March 2001. He will rendezvous with the former England all-rounder at Heaton Park for the final four miles of the day’s walk. Beefy’s walk will begin outside the Marks & Spencer’s store on Market Street and Sir Ian will then walk through the city before arriving at Heaton Park where people can join him in exchange for fundraising.

After visiting an optician nine years ago to investigate a problem with his vision, Harvey was advised to go to Southampton General Hospital for blood tests, which revealed he had had leukaemia for sometime: “It was the most frightening time of my life”, says Harvey, “the doctors were amazed that I had walked through the door at all – I was very lucky that the leukaemia hadn’t reached a more advanced stage”.

Although the next few months were a very stressful time for Harvey and his wife Fiona, thanks to the development of new drug treatments, he has been able to manage the disease by taking daily medication.

Recognising that he has been very fortunate, cricket fan Harvey is determined to help Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research get closer to a cure for all blood cancers: “After what I’ve been through beating blood cancers is very personal to me. I can’t wait to meet Beefy and get walking.”

Beefy will be walking through ten towns in ten days from 10-19 April. Setting out each day from a branch of event sponsor Marks & Spencer’s in the town centre, he will complete an approximate 10-mile route around the town, before making his way to a local park meet members of the public where they will join him for a sponsored walk.

Sir Ian says: “I never forget why I put myself through the pain and the blisters; I know it will mean in the future that every child and teenager diagnosed with leukaemia will survive. I won’t stop until we beat childhood leukaemia, but I need your help. Together we can make sure every child survives. Lets make this my best walk yet!”

If you would like to join Sir Ian on one of his walks please visit www.beefy25.com, email beefy25@lrf.org.uk or call Botham Walk Fundraising Coordinator David Blandford on 020 7685 5143. Or if you are unable to walk you can sponsor me at http://original.justgiving.com/harveygreenwood ‘

Corporate Sponsors