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

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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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.


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Merry Christmas to all :-)

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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

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Dedboy - Christmas Number One. Awesome Crimbo Song!

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?"...... :-)

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How to Unlock Orange San Francisco Android to any Network.

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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.....

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VistaPrint FREE calendar. Postage Cost Information.

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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:	1
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"!.

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Searching for the secrets behind the progression of CLL

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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.

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

Very interesting results from CLL treatment trial

Orange Monte Carlo Android Phone is AWESOME!

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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 :-).

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Dear Samsung and Apple....

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

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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.

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

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

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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 :-)

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Breakthrough in Mixed Lineage Leukaemia (MLL) Drug Search

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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.

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New Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Information Film with Steve Coogan.

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

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

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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.

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Robin Hood Marathon today. Scarlett's last outing !

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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

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

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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

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15039/Breakthrough-leukaemia.html#ixzz1XSo8sx31


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Sleaford town council vs Tesco act 1

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!.

Sleaford Vintage and Classic Car and Bike Show 2011

For a change this year I did not take Scarlett to this annual show, and instead, for a change, i took my father in laws 1972 VW Beetle 1300.

Due to building work at St Georges college, this year the show was held in the car parking area at the Sleaford Town Council offices on Eastgate and to be honest it seemed to be just as good a venue as the regular location.

Anyway, a great day was had by myself, mini me and his grandad, and, apart from a slight hiccup when mini me decided to fall over and remove a lot of skin from his knees and hands, the day was very very enjoyable. Sadly Tom's Beetle did not receive any awards or prizes, but we did get our pictures taken by both local newspaper photographers so there is a good chance that we may get a mention in the local press!.

Here are a few piccies that we got of the event.....

Nexy year I will get organised and make sure that a special car and a half make an appearence at the show :-)

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Red arrows pilot lost in Bournemouth airshow crash

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Latest reports regarding the Red Arrows crash at Bournemouth Airshow say that the pilot is believed to have perished when his Hawk aircraft hit the ground due to unknown circumstances.

I hope the reports are wrong but looking at the BBC footage it seems there was very little time for him to eject.....but we really hope and pray that he did.

Update:

Sadly it has now been confirmed that the body of Flt Lt. Jon Egging (Red 4), known to his colleagues as "Eggman", was found by locals from the village of Throop in the river Stour shortly after the crash.
This was the first fatal crash involving the Red Arrows for 33 years since March 1978 when a Folland gnat was lost along with its pilot. Jon was 33...

Condolencies to his family and friends at this difficult time.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/behindthescenes/red4.cfm

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Genetically Modified 'Serial Killer' T-Cells Obliterate Tumors in Leukemia Patients

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ScienceDaily (Aug. 11, 2011) — In a cancer treatment breakthrough 20 years in the making, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center and Perelman School of Medicine have shown sustained remissions of up to a year among a small group of advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients treated with genetically engineered versions of their own T cells. The protocol, which involves removing patients' cells and modifying them in Penn's vaccine production facility, then infusing the new cells back into the patient's body following chemotherapy, provides a tumor-attack roadmap for the treatment of other cancers including those of the lung and ovaries and myeloma and melanoma.

To read the full story click HERE.

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Scottish university reveals new drug to combat leukaemia and it's found in.. Irn-Bru !

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THOUSANDS of cancer patients could be cured by a lifesaving new drug - linked to Irn-Bru.

The drug is a form of quinine - a bitter flavouring found in the fizzy pop and tonic water - which is used to treat malaria.

Scottish doctors working on a cure for a common leukaemia have discovered it kills the most stubborn cancer cells, and believe a cure is now close.

You just could not make this sort of story up !. Lets hope it is as effective as they think against Leukaemia. I hope it doesn't give patients a glowing orange tan as a side effect.....although it would save some a fortune at tanning salons!

I really love Irn-Bru :-)

To read the full story click HERE.

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Scirocco Register National Meet 30th July 2011

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A very nice video made by my good friend and co-driver Glen Place....

Great weekend people. Same again in 2012? :-)

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Taking care of children afflicted with leukaemia in India

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Husain, a boy hardly of eight years, was asked to be taken away from the Indo-American Cancer Hospital when he began to have seizures. For, his parents could not afford the expensive treatment for his Leukaemia.

The boy was taken to Gandhi Hospital from where he was referred to the MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre. Here, the treatment is absolutely free and efforts are on to put him on the track of recovery.

Lakshman Reddy, a 14-year-old tribal boy from Khammam, was brought to NIMS by the ITDA officials, where he was diagnosed with Leukaemia and referred to MNJ Institute. An orphan, he is now recovering in the Paediatric Oncology Ward, and is known for his erratic behaviour. He smokes, throws tantrums and occasionally refuses to take food and medicines.

To read the full report click HERE to view the HINDU website.

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Scirocco Register another great success, and a nice surprise for me!

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Yet another great owners club meeting at RAF Cosford was enjoyed by a record number of Scirocco lovers this weekend and a fantastic time was had by all.

The good news for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research was that after a quickly organised raffle to win a laptop was arranged the generous folk of the Scirocco Register donated a grand total of £115 (including straight donations). Fantastic :-)

Acording to my good friend Glen Place the total number of Scirocco's attending the event went up from 53.5 last year to 55.5 in 2011 (The .5 is of course Scarlett's Trailer!).

In conclusion then it was a weekend of Brilliant weather, brilliant cars, an excellent (if slightly basic!) campsite,fantastic venue and wonderful friendly Scirocco friends.........Amazing :-)

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Mother who beat leukaemia to have three children now faces terminal breast cancer and won't see them grow up

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When Cathryn Wyllie battled leukaemia at the age of 14, she was told she would never be a mother.

Against all the odds she fell pregnant and gave birth to three children, Bonnie, nine, Caul, three and Beau, 11 months old.

But when she was pregnant with her youngest child she discovered a lump in her breast - and doctors have recently diagnosed her with terminal breast cancer.......................

To read the full story click HERE.

Spanish Scirocco Owners Club Meeting Video.

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Nasty Scirocco Crash caught on video

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You know how it is, you are just going for a nice drive in your Scirocco when all of a sudden........

OUCH!

£161,000,000 euro millions winners are is in Ayrshire

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What would I have done with £161 million quid?

Honestly? ..................Well....................

Once I had regained consciousness from the shock I would draw up a list of deserving causes in the world. They would get a lump sum of £1 million quid each to help with their work.

I would obviously ensure that all of my friends and family had the burden of any debt removed from their lives...plus a little bit of cash to have some fun :-)

I would set up foundation to award money to individuals who can be bothered to give up their time to assist charities. I found that there are few organisations established that reward individuals for their selfless efforts in helping others...that would change.

I would make a very public statement to the press of my intentions to donate a large amount of my new found fortune to help do good in this unfair world.......and hopefully shame the other 429 people above me in the UK rich list to do the same! The rich should stop being so bloody tight with their cash and use it to make this world a better place for others....so lets put an end to opulent purchases such as diamond encrusted watches and other selfish bling and put more Kudos on giving to those who need it!

I would buy my hospital several hundred new electric patient beds to replace the old knackered ones that I still have to fix on a daily basis :-)

I would buy a brand new Scirocco...but still keep Scarlett for those special occasions! :-)

Anyway, best wishes to Colin and Chris Weir on their astonishing win and could I just make a suggestion as to one way they would like to spend some of the cash? How about them investing in a new film about the life and achievements of Shirley Nolan the founder of the Anthony Nolan Trust. Word has it that investors are being sort to allow this story to be told on the big screen.Chris being an ex nurse would perhaps appreciate the human side of the story and Colin, being an ex TV cameraman, may enjoy getting involved in the filming perhaps.....just a thought :-)

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Air Ambulance Service Clothing Collection Scam

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If you get a flyer through your door from the Air Ambulance Service DO NOT PUT OUT ANYTHING!. It is a scam that gives the impression that the collection is for an Air Ambulance Charity......IT IS NOT!


If you have received one of these flyers please get in touch and let me know. Better still if you manage to get pictures of the people who are involved with this scam or the vehicle that they use, let me have a copy and I will post it on this blog for all to see.

Better still...fill your bin bags with all the crap you have overflowing from your wheelie bin, wrap it in some old rags (in case they have a quick look inside!) then leave it and enjoy watching them snatch it away in the belief that it holds a few quids worth of decent clothing...NOT :-).


I hate scumbags that pertain to be working for the good of many when in fact they are simply lining there own greedy pockets.


The website www.airambulanceservice.org.uk does not exist.


The mobile number 07577940492 comes back as number not available.


Please tell others about this sick scam and don't let these people convert your clothing into beer money!.


To read the story on the BBC website click HERE or to read another story about the same SCAM in Macclesfield click HERE


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RAF Waddington airshow 2011

Pictures and review up soon......

Volkswagen Scirocco Mk2 Parts and tools stolen in Yorkshire

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If you are offered or indeed hear of anyone trying to sell the parts listed in the link below, please contact me with details of the individuals description, reg number of any vehicles or other info so that a suitable meeting can be arranged to have a "chat" with the culprits....:-)

The parts have been taken from a workshop in Harrogate North Yorkshire.

Items taken include.......

Halfords tools

Ultimax Brake discs and Green stuff pads

FK suspension coilover kits

Full Scirocco Engine and Gearbox

Please, be vigilant and report any sightings.....we will do the rest.

To see the post on the owners club website click HERE

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Don Johnson.Gambler and the £120'000 bottle of Champagne...

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Hi Don. Well you sure showed everyone just how wealthy you are when you bought a huge bottle of Champagne for £120'000 and then proceeded to spray it over your adoring minions.

Funny thing is, just before I read the article about this amazing waste of money I had been reading another about 7 children who's parents are trying to raise £40'000 for each one so that they can go to America for surgery to allow them to walk.........funny old world eh Don?

Perhaps they too would have enjoyed being covered in mega expensive French plonk? Or perhaps you could have donated some of your cash to help them to be able to walk, run and play? Then again maybe walking is over rated...what the hell,you just go ahead and have a great life :-)

The full sad story can be read by clicking HERE.

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Swaton Vintage Vehicle and Egg Tossing Show June 26th 2011

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Today we spent several hours at the Swaton Vintage Vehicle and Egg Tossing Show. The weather was glorious, the range of exhibits was (as usual) fantastic, and to top it all my father in law let me drive his yellow (Called Bumble Bee) 1972 VW Beetle 1300 around the arena.....what a brilliant day out it was :-).

By the way, the real ale was wonderful stuff and provided some much needed refreshment on such a glorious summer's day.....and helped to wash down the equally delicious Red Beef burgers that we had earlier. Many thanks to the organisers for yet again providing us with a first class event.

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