FirstGroup, the UK’s largest bus and rail operator, has provided financial assistance to 17 year old Jane Sherwood from Slough, to help support her fight against a rare form of spinal cancer. The Aberdeen based company has donated £2,000 to the ‘Jane Sherwood Proton Appeal’.
Jane underwent major surgery to remove a vertebra from her spine in July 2011. She had been in terrible pain for nearly two years and missed her GCSE exams at school. Thankfully the surgery was successful and in addition Jane did very well when she was eventually able to sit her GCSEs. She started college in September 2011 despite being confined to a wheelchair. However, she was recently advised that the tumour would return unless she underwent "Proton Beam Radiotherapy" – a treatment so new that it is only available in a few universities and private clinics in the world.
Jane is currently in Jacksonville, Florida in the United States receiving the groundbreaking radiotherapy. She arrived in the middle of December and began treatment almost immediately and is expected to finish at the start of February.
Jane’s family and friends undertook a relentless campaign to raise funds to support Jane and her mother, while in the USA.
Jane’s Godmother, Georgie Thomas, works as an Applications Support Manager for FirstGroup. She said: “I approached FirstGroup’s Sponsorship and Charity Committee and applied for some funding to support the ‘Jane Sherwood Proton Appeal.’ I’m absolutely thrilled that the company has donated £2,000 – it will go along way supporting Jane and her mum whilst undergoing treatment in the US.”
Avril Gill, FirstGroup’s Marketing Manager, sits on the company’s Charity and Sponsorship Committee. She said: “I’m pleased that FirstGroup has provided funding to Jane’s appeal and can only admire the hard work and bravery of Jane, her friends and family. I hope that following treatment in the US, Jane can enjoy a life that is cancer free.”
To support the ‘Jane Sherwood Proton Appeal’ or for more information, look up the ‘Jane Sherwood Proton Appeal’ on Facebook.
Jane 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