Wardlines newsletter - Autumn 2012 - University College London ...

My Marathon Experience
by Wayne Vallentine
Wayne and Vicky at the
London Marathon
I was given the fantastic
opportunity to run the
London Marathon and
raise some money for a
fund very close to my
heart; the Leukaemia and
Lymphoma Unit at UCLH.
Back in the mid nineties,
whilst showing off my
dance moves in The
Playhouse in Basingstoke
and through skill and
good looks I attracted the
interest of Vicky Ellis and
we were soon inseparable.
Six months later Vicky left my 18th birthday preparations with her
Mum for a GP appointment. I received a phone call that shattered
my world. Instead of joining me later, Vicky had been admitted to
the local hospital diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
At the insistence of her family, Vicky was transferred to the
Leukaemia & Lymphoma Unit at University College Hospital and we
were told on arrival that without treatment Vicky had two weeks to
live. Intensive chemotherapy started immediately and Vicky’s world
was reduced to the hospital room in which she was being treated. I
drove to London with Vicky’s dad and sisters every day to support
her. It was a really hard time for everyone. The treatment was
savage and extremely difficult to watch a loved one go through.
The Unit staff were amazing and their support, kindness and
encouragement really helped us get through this ordeal. Vicky
spent her 18th birthday in hospital and staff helped us decorate the
room so we could all celebrate together. Six months later, after four
lots of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a bone marrow transplant
from her sister Lianne, the cancer was beaten. Vicky’s treatment
was based on the most up to date research and methods available,
another amazing factor about the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Unit
at UCLH. I was terrified I would lose the girl I loved and without this
unit I think I would have.
Fifteen years later, (having married on Valentine’s Day in Vegas and
changed my name to Vallentine) Vicky Ellis is now my wife. She
completed her training as a Clinical Psychologist and is now Dr.
Vallentine working with adults with Learning Disabilities and
Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Vicky is my more intelligent and
attractive “better half”, I am, however still the best dancer!
The money raised for this fund are used to support patients
throughout and beyond their treatment, purchasing specialist
medical equipment, funding research and development and
includes a small fund to assist patients in the purchase of wigs
which perhaps helps to retain a sense of normality. I could not
think of a more worthy cause to raise money for.
When I was offered the place I had been running a maximum of
three miles a couple of times a week. I hired a personal trainer
(Campbell Noon of www.re-leafmk.com) and spent the next 12
weeks on a punishing bespoke fitness regime. I wanted a sub 4hr
time and was told numerous times that I was crazy, with the
exception of Campbell and Vicky who knew how stubborn I was.
Then, before I knew it, I was on the DLR on my way to the starting
line feeling anxious and excited. In no time I was up to my target
speed and feeling strong. At mile 14 seeing Vicky and her family
raised my spirits. At mile 18 my sister and her family were
screaming their encouragement and giving me the boost I needed
to keep going. “Easy, easy, this is easy” was the chant I had in my
head but by mile 23 every ounce of strength felt drained and it was
NOT easy!!! Running along the Embankment I could have sworn that
the Houses of Parliament and the Clock Tower housing Big Ben were
getting further away! However I powered through to the end. Seeing
the finishing line was amazing - I had been visualising that moment
in training - and finally here I was.
I crossed the line with my arms in the air, deliriously happy. I am not
an overly emotionally person but I found myself hugging the woman
who gave me my medal! I hobbled to meet my cheerleading squad
and have my first well earned beer since January! I could barely
walk the next day but it was totally worth it and I feel so happy that
I was able to give back to the hospital Unit that did so much for me
and the people I love.
Thanks to all our 2012 London Marathon Runners: Eva Levin,
Simon Quinlan, Craig Smith and Wayne Vallentine who between
them raised over £10,000 for the Unit.
5 a side charity tournament
raises vital fund for UCH
in memory of David Jacobs
In July, 18 teams of amateur footballers from Dagenham raised
over £5,000 for the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Unit at University
College London Hospitals.
The football fundraiser took place at The Goals Soccer Centre in
Dagenham was played in memory of David Jacobs who died in
February 2011, aged 22, after losing his battle with leukaemia.
Prizes in the charity auction
organised by ex West Ham
United Player Alvin Martin
included a cricket bat signed
by The England Team and a
“Red Bull” jacket signed by
Sebastian Vettel and Mark
Webber.
Jan Jacobs, David’s mother
said:”It was excellent to see
so many people taking part
and the money raised will help
raise vital funds for the
hospital. It was a fantastic day
and we were overwhelmed
with the support and
donations made by friends
and family. The tournament
was so successful that it is
already arranged for the
14th July next year”.
David Jacobs
Wardlines • Autumn 2012 • 7