The Tom Bowdidge Foundation is a charitable foundation, founded on 28th February 2014. It was launched by his parents, Richard and Nikki on the 20th birthday anniversary of Tom Bowdidge. Tom died of a desmoplastic small round cell tumour and extensive peritoneal disease in October 2013, at the age of 19. The Foundation is headquartered in Colchester and its goal is to raise funds to support research projects and to provide physical and emotional support to teenagers and young people with cancer.
Shortly before his last breath he told his mum she would need to ‘crack on’ without him. So that is exactly what Richard and Nikki have done by setting up The Tom Bowdidge Foundation. They knew exactly what Tom’s wishes were and have followed them in the best way possible.
Tom knew that when you were diagnosed with cancer the support needed went far beyond the chemotherapy. Firstly a teenager needs practical support. A comfortable place to be treated with patients the same age in an environment that was as normal as possible. Secondly they and their family need emotional support with form filling, applying for grants, accommodation whilst staying in hospitals away from home, and even short holidays. Thirdly, more research. Teenage cancers are extremely rare and need specialist research. Tom had a very rare and aggressive sarcoma – 11% of teenage cancers are sarcomas! Tom wanted to raise as much money to fund further research so that one day there would be a cure for this wicked and evil disease.
The principles of the Foundation are:
- TO PROMOTE THE RELIEF, CARE, WELL-BEING AND REHABILITATION OF TEENAGERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM CANCER, AND THEIR FAMILIES.
- TO CARRY OUT RESEARCH AND PUBLISH ANY USEFUL RESULTS INTO THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF CANCER IN TEENAGERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE.
Would like to know more about The Tom Bowdidge Foundation? Find out about what they do, how they raise money and how you can help. Maybe you can make a donation or volunteer to assist on their fundraising events. Please visit The Tom Bowdidge Foundation website.