Friends and celebrities have rallied round to raise £40,000 in a matter of days to help a young Harrogate man fund life-saving medical treatment.
In April last year, James Hindmarsh was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. Friends and family assured him they’d stand by him all the way.
Since then James, 24, has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
However, this NHS treatment has not worked, which has spurred friends of James, who attended Ashville College, to start fundraising to pay for private treatment abroad.
Six of his best friends have pledged to complete a number of challenges, including running three marathons in three days, the Yorkshire three peaks and a ski tour. To donate click here.
James with best friend Henry Bartle (left) and his mum and brother (right).
James’ work colleagues at financial services company the DSG Group have set up a Justgiving page, bringing the overall total raised so far to more than £40,000.
James’ cancer is particularly rare in young adults and finding a clinic that can help is proving difficult. However James and those around him are determined to keep going.
James is not currently receiving any treatment and is suffering physically but continues to stay mentally strong.
One of James’ best friends, Henry Bartle, who has known him since the pair went to primary school in Cundall, said:
“James is very, very funny. He’s just an all-round amazing guy. He’s been putting on a very brave face for the past year and just takes each day as it comes.
“He’s currently fighting each day and we want to give him the best chance of living.”
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The fundraising pages were only set up days ago and has generated a rapid response. A number of celebrities, including former football manager Harry Redknapp and journalist Piers Morgan have shared the fundraising page on social media or reached out to help.
Henry added:
“It’s just gone crazy, we never expected this.”
