Andrew started getting headaches in August 2005 and the doctor said he had tonsilitis and prescribed paracetamol. A week later Andrew became unwell at a friend's sleepover and was rushed to hospital and transferred to intensive care where doctor's initially thought he had encephalitis. A week later, after an MRI scan, a brain tumour was discovered.
Andrew had an operation to remove as much of the tumour as possible and to take a biopsy. A few days later we were told the devastating news that the tumour was a Grade 4 PNET in his left temporal lobe and that it was very aggressive. However we were still given hope that with radiotherapy and chemotherapy (Hart and Packer protocol) there was a chance of a cure.
Unfortunately this was not to be.
Andrew had radiotherapy twice a day for 5 weeks and was meant to have 11 months of chemotherapy. However the headaches were always on and off and after only 4 months Andrew had a seizure whilst in hospital and a scan revealed the tumour had come back and had spread. After much persuasion we finally managed to convince the doctors to operate on Andrew again and let him take part in a Phase 3 clinical trial using high dose chemotherapy. This operation lasted for 10 hours and Andrew very nearly died, however everyone was very pleased with the results and positive of the forthcoming treatment.
Sadly, after only 6 weeks of pre-high dose chemotherapy (chemotherapy to boost his body for stem cell rescue) another scan revealed that yet again the tumour had returned and this time there were no further trials or treatment available. In August 2006 Andrew was sent home and he quickly deteriorated from then onwards.
Twelve weeks later Andrew died with his parents, Marion and Michael, and his beloved sisters Laura and Rachel by his side at home. He was just 13 years old.
Throughout Andrew's terrible illness he never once complained or asked 'why me'? He was always smiling and joking and always on the go. He loved his life so much and he loved his family and friends. He was such a sporty, clever, kind boy and he was such a joy to be with. Andrew was always very positive and he always believed he would get better.
Andrew's family are determined to raise funds in memory of Andrew in order to support this very under-researched disease to give hope to other children who may be diagnosed with a brain tumour in the future.
Andrew's family have set up a Justgiving page on which you can make donations in his memory. Please click here. They also have a dedicated website set up in Andrew's memory.
Tea Party - March 2008
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Dean and Lisa helped raise £675 at the Tea Party on 8th March 2008. The event was a great success, everyone who attended had a good time. Thank you to all who came and supported the Fund through the purchase of tea and cakes!
Dean Johnson with a tray of cakes |
Sponsored Walk
A group of boys from Andrew's school recently completed a sponsored walk with half of the proceeds - a staggering £1000 - to be donated in memory of Andrew. Thanks to all the lads who took part in this event.
Pudding Evening!
Andrew's best friend Dean Johnson, along with his mum Lisa, brother Lee and friend Andy recently organised a 'Pudding Evening' raising £776. Dean wrote letters to friends and neighbours inviting them to make a pudding for the evening. He recieved over 40 puddings and 120 people attended the evening at £3 per head. People could then sample each pudding and eat as much as they wanted!!! There was a raffle and we sold more of Andrew's wristbands, there was also a trivia quiz.
This is the third event that Dean has held for Andrew's fund and we are very grateful for all his support.
Sponsored Bike Ride
On Saturday, 9th June, Marion Stringer and 7 friends took part in a Bike Ride for SDBTT Andrew Stringer Fund and raised the wonderful sum of £1000. Well done to all the ladies who took part.
(back from left) - Sally, Sue, Julie, Aron, Tracy
(front from left) - Lisa, Marion, Gill and Jackie
Money raised in memory of Andrew Stringer on Boxing Day 2006
A group of teenagers from the Reepham area made a dash into a very chilly sea at Cromer on Boxing Day in order to raise money for the Trust. Thanks to Dean Johnson, Joe Wright, Robert Dixon, Kelly Langford, Joshua Kennedy and Jacob Mears.....fingers crossed none of them caught a cold!
Wayne Lincoln was to have supported the Fund by running in the London Marathon but unfortunately he had to withdraw, instead he has been offered a place in the Edinburgh Marathon on 27th May.
