Human Interest 2010 - Virgin London Marathon

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Richard
Curd
Rye, East Sussex 38038
In April 2006, Richard’s son, Oliver was diagnosed with Ewing’s
Sarcoma – a tumour in his skull. He had been having sleepless
nights and, bed sweats and was crying in his sleep for reasons he
didn’t know. Oliver had ten months of treatment – both
chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Royal Marsden. During
this time he twice had to go into intensive care at St. George’s
Hospital because he had sceptic shocks due to infections. After
this period of treatment they thought Oliver had fully recovered
and things were looking very positive. They took this opportunity
to go to Malta for a family holiday to swim with dolphins as this
had always been Oliver’s dream, he also celebrated his ninth
birthday there. Within three months however the cancer had
returned and no further curative treatment was available.
After taking oral chemotherapy for a couple of months to slow
the tumour down Oliver told his parents that he didn’t want to
go back to the hospital. He was always aware of the
consequences if his treatment didn't work. His parents of course
accepted Oliver’s wishes and during the time he had they visited
their family cottage in France and Centre Parcs. He died at home
with his family around him, in his own bed in November 2007.
Clic Sargent