FirstGroup, the UK’s largest bus and rail operator, has provided financial assistance to two year old Corey Ashcroft from Eccleston, near Preston, to help support his fight against a rare and potentially lethal form of children’s cancer.
On 20 April 2011, Corey was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, a cancer which in the UK affects between 80 and 100 people each year. It is renowned in medical circles for being more aggressive and harder to treat than most other forms of cancer.
The private health care system in the United States offers the best treatment in the world for Neuroblastoma Cancer. Corey’s family has been fundraising relentlessly since April to fund the treatment in the US and is grateful for FirstGroup’s support.
Corey’s mum, Joanna Ashcroft, said: “Thank goodness for the unwavering support of friends, family and companies such as FirstGroup. We have raised more than £250k since April – an amazing amount. However, our fundraising efforts must continue as we battle to give Corey, and others like him, the opportunity of a cancer free life.”
Corey is currently at Manchester Children’s Hospital, where he is receiving a stem cell transplant, in isolation, ahead of a trip to Philadelphia in December for the revolutionary and potentially life saving immunotherapy treatment.
Corey has just successfully completed a stem cell transplant, in isolation, at Manchester Children’s Hospital and is now enjoying some time at home, while recovering. All being well, Corey will receive radiation therapy at Manchester Children's Hospital at the beginning of November before travelling to Philadelphia at the beginning of December for immunotherapy. Corey and his family will be in Philadelphia for six months.
Avril Gill, FirstGroup’s Marketing Manager, said: “I’m pleased that FirstGroup has provided funding to Corey’s appeal and can only admire the hard work and bravery of his parents, friends and family in raising so much money so quickly. Corey’s story is a tragic one, but we hope that following treatment in the US, Corey can enjoy a life that is cancer free.”
To support The Corey Appeal or for further information, please visit www.coreyashcroft.co.uk.
Corey was awarded funding by FirstGroup’s Charity and Sponsorship Committee. The Committee comprises 12 members of staff based throughout Britain and considers requests for funding and gifts from groups and organisations across the country. It aims to provide charitable support in line with three specific criteria – young people, health and the environment. For further information on the Committee please visit www.firstgroup.com