25 October 2012 Claire Larkin - Advances in Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research

The Rotary Club of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane gathered this week for their regular weekly meeting at the Westlands Hotel, Dunblane.
30 members and guests heard from the Regional Fundraising Manager for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Research Charity, Claire Larkin and her assistant, Lewis Hay, on the latest advances being made.  With a vision of beating all blood cancers (and there are over 80 that have been characterised so far), the charity has up to £75 million invested at any one time into research projects seeking improvements in treatment.  A vital addendum to the state funded work, in that somebody in the UK is diagnosed every 20 minutes with one of the conditions; Claire explained the huge improvements already seen where 90% of youngsters now survive the most common form of childhood blood cancer. 

She also explained about the new Trials Acceleration Programme being led by the charity, launched in 2011 to allow more patients access to clinical trials.  This is accomplished by having a hub centre based in devoted to sorting out the red tape and trial protocols that currently limit trials availability to only 6% of sufferers.  Once the studies have been coordinated they are then delivered through a network of 13 regional centres allowing a higher level of access across the country.  Claire noted that their work was supported entirely by fundraising and advised that those looking for more information or to get involved should visit their website at www.leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk.

In other business, in the absence of the organisers, Paddy and Peter Holmes, on a well deserved break, President Iain reported that the Beat Beethoven Fun Run held last Sunday at Stirling University, had been well supported and had raised over £6000 for CHAS and Parkinson's UK.

The club sports chair, Derek Collins, reported recent narrow defeats in the curling league and the first round of the gavel competition.

Members were also reminded that next week's meeting would take place at Strathcarron Hospice so that the club could see some of the impact of the funds that they raise for this vital resource