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Man battling cancer stages charity fundraiser
2:10pm Wednesday 12th March 2008
By David Watkinson »
A MAN who has been diagnosed with cancer said he had a "massive urge" to raise money to help fund research into the disease.
Gary McAuliffe, 28, has lost almost four stone in two months since finding out he has Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia, a deadly form of cancer.
But Mr McAuliffe, of Leeward Close, Lower Darwen, said he was winning his fight against the disease and wanted to help others in the same position. He is organising a sportsman's dinner where he hopes to raise £10,000 for Leukaemia Research.
Mr McAuliffe, who works for BAE Systems, Samlesbury, was diagnosed in December.
He said: "I only went to the doctors for a cough which I couldn't get rid of.
"I had lost a lot of weight. I've now dropped from 14 stone to around 10 stone, and knew that there was something wrong.
"They did the blood tests and I couldn't believe it when they said I had leukaemia. It was a massive shock at first but I am determined to fight it."
He said that his wife of five years Rebecca, 25, has had a tougher time dealing with his illness than he has, adding: "I have been so tired that I just sleep for large parts of the day but she has had to deal with everything. Even just answ-ering the phone as friends and family check how I am is such an emotional task.
"She has been so supportive."
He has undergone a month of chemotherapy and is due to begin more shortly. The cancer, as well as the treatment that he has undergone, has meant he has been off work since he was diagnosed.
Mr McAuliffe said he now believes he has a 90 per cent chance of survival thanks to recent advances in medical science. A new drug is available which limits his need for a bone-marrow transplant.
The sportsman's dinner is at the BAE Camera Club, Samlesbury, on June 6, and is sponsored by his bosses.
Alan Kennedy is already confirmed to appear. And a five-a-side football competition is also set to take place. Contact Mr McAuliffe on 07793 421892.
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CASH HOPES: Gary McAuliffe wants to raise £10,000 for Leukaemia Research after being diagnosed with a form of the disease
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Steve Whalley, Rishton says...
11:09pm Thu 13 Mar 08
PS. 'bout time you bought yourself another car mate (ha).