On Saturday, August 31st, The CAD Room team will be undertaking a 25km charity walk – TrekFest – ‘The Peaks’– in support of Jack, our friend and colleague, and raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
In 2018, Jack was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and is currently undergoing radiotherapy treatment. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming him back to The CAD Room office later this year!
As a thank you for the immense support given during his treatment, Jack has chosen to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The Teenage Cancer Trust are providers of world-class cancer services to young people in the UK, ensuring they don’t have to face cancer alone, by providing specialist care and support.
Please help us raise money for this fantastic cause and make a donation to our JustGiving page now –https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/grant-hood
Jack’s Story
My journey started back in March 2018 where I experienced a grand mal seizure. Following a number of MRI, CT and other scans, a tumour was highlighted at the base of the skull within the bone. After surgery to remove most of the tumour, I was given a diagnosis of Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma, which is a rare form of cancer to the bone cartilage.
A couple of months later in May, I was admitted to Christie Hospital, with a plan of 5-cycle chemotherapy treatment and 30 days of proton beam radiotherapy.
Throughout this time, I received lots of support from friends and family, with regular visits during my admissions on the hospital ward, as well as helping out when I’ve needed assistance with day to day tasks at home.
My workplace, The CAD Room, have been really supportive, with my colleagues keeping in regular contact and visiting during my hospital ward admissions. I’ve still been able to participate in work events such as payday lunches, so have not felt left out of the loop. They have also organised a team to undertake the ‘TrekFest’ 25km Peak District charity walk, in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust!
The Teenage Cancer Trust has provided fantastic support during my hospital admissions in various ways, such as social events – like quizzes, providing PS4s and Xbox’s in rooms and giving free access to events outside of the hospital, such as concert and football tickets, spa days and much more. The Teenage Cancer Trust was also able to provide me with a financial grant, which has been very beneficial and much appreciated during this difficult time of being unable to work.
As part of my job role as BIM Coordinator at The CAD Room, I’ve worked on two projects where, in a strange coincidence, I have since received treatment. I worked as a coordinator on the Proton Beam Therapy Unit project at The Christie, as well as a team leader on the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, where I controlled most of the project coordination and offsite modules. As part of telling my story, I really wanted to highlight the incredible importance of these centres in providing treatment and support to people like me who are undergoing cancer treatment.
During my hospital visits, I have met nurses and therapists of all different levels, from Head Nurses to Physiotherapists. They have all been really friendly and able to assist with anything that I’ve needed, making my admissions a lot more comfortable.
During my diagnosis and treatment, I’ve managed to retain a positive outlook through planning future travel adventures, such as a trip to Bali in September. I also plan to drive again once my treatment has ended and buy a new car; all of these aspects help me to stay motivated.
