Running for Oliver
The family and friends of a young Peasmarsh boy who died from a rare bone cancer are running the Hastings Half Marathon in his memory.
Peasmarsh primary pupil Oliver Curd was just seven years-old when he was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma after a test at the Conquest Hospital revealed a large tumour in his skull.
He was reffered to The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton where he under went intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy - starting on his eighth birthday.
After completing his treatment he enjoyed a family holiday in Malta where he swam with dolphins but tragically the tumour returned.
A course of oral chemotherapy helped slow the effects of the disease enough for Oliver to enjoy two more holidays - to Centre Parcs and France, and for him to see the arrival of his little sister who he named Martha after a character in Dr Who.
Sadly though he died in November, aged just nine.
His parents, Richard and Sarah Curd, set up a charity in his name, the Oliver Curd Trust, and have set up a new website (www.theolivercurdtrust.co.uk) which talks about Oliver and tells people how they can donate to the charity.
Any money raised is given to charities which helped them on their journey - such as The Rhys Daniels Trust which provided Oliver's parents with a flat to stay near the hospital, the Demelza James hospice at home nurses and The Bone Cancer Research Trust.
Fundraising so far has included an entry in the Rye Raft Race, sponsored walks and raffles and Oliver's family are hoping to raise more money at the Hastings Half Marathon.
So far 23 people have signed up to run in the half marathon while six of Oliver's Peasmarsh schooll friends will tackle the mini run on the same day (March 16).
All of them complete the course in t-shirts with Oliver's face on the front and they will be cheered on by a number of support groups dotted around the course.
The oldest member of the team is 60 while the youngest is 17.
Family friend Tracy Barnett is dressing up as a dalek to reflect Oliver's love of Dr Who.
For more information on the charity and Oliver, and to spomnsor a runner, visit www.theolivercurdtrust.co.uk or ring 01797 230329.
Donations can also be sent by chque made out to The Oliver Curd Trust to 53 The Maltings, Peasmarsh, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 6ST.
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
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Light rain
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