How self-funded cancer drug is fighting Doncaster dad's illness

He is a few months into a self funded cancer treatment – and now a Doncaster dad has fresh optimism.
By David Kessen
Published 12th Mar 2020, 12:49 BST
Updated 13th Mar 2020, 08:31 BST
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Russ Alderson, aged 38, had been told nothing more could be done for his colon cancer, until he discovered through is own research about a targeted treatment usually used in the treatment of breast cancer.

But he is having to raise £25,000 for the drug himself, because it is not licensed by the NHS for colon cancer.

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This month, he had the first review with his consultant since starting the treatment – and it revealed his tumour had shrunk by around 50 per cent.

Hayley Steadman and her partner Russell Alderson, pictured with Stef Grove, Aimee Spaven, Janine Stillie, Sharon Spaven, Claire Williams, Deborah Stocks, Connie Harrison-Haley and Diane Wheatley, during the sponsored cycle event at Woodfield Squash and Leisure Club. Picture: NDFP-01-02-20-SponsoredCycle 2-NMSYHayley Steadman and her partner Russell Alderson, pictured with Stef Grove, Aimee Spaven, Janine Stillie, Sharon Spaven, Claire Williams, Deborah Stocks, Connie Harrison-Haley and Diane Wheatley, during the sponsored cycle event at Woodfield Squash and Leisure Club. Picture: NDFP-01-02-20-SponsoredCycle 2-NMSY
Hayley Steadman and her partner Russell Alderson, pictured with Stef Grove, Aimee Spaven, Janine Stillie, Sharon Spaven, Claire Williams, Deborah Stocks, Connie Harrison-Haley and Diane Wheatley, during the sponsored cycle event at Woodfield Squash and Leisure Club. Picture: NDFP-01-02-20-SponsoredCycle 2-NMSY

Partner Hayley Stedmans said: “Russ is doing really well. He started the treatment at the end of last year, just before Christmas, and he’s had a really good response. The size of the tumour is down 50 per cent. The consultant showed us a scan, and you could see the difference in size.

“He has been feeling much better, and is getting back towards normal life. He has been able to start back at work. He is able to do normal things again like go shopping or go out for the day, which he couldn’t when he was really ill.

“At the moment there is hope and we are continuing with fundraising.”

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Russ is continuing with chemotherapy treatment in combination with a Herceptin therapy drug. The NHS can not fund this due to the drug being licensed in the UK only for the breast cancer treatment.

His doctor warned him some of the treatment information Russell was bringing in would only benefit three per cent of bowel cancer patients.

Fund raising is continuing.

A number of Hayley’s friends recently took part in a sponsored cycle session at Woodfield Squash and Leisure Club to raise money for Russ’ appeal.

Stef Grove, Aimee Spaven, Janine Stillie, Sharon Spaven, Claire Williams, Deborah Stocks, Connie Harrison-Haley and Diane Wheatley, who attend fitness bootcamps run by Hayley, put the miles in on exercise bikes at the venue, with both Hayley and Russ attending to give their thanks and support.

Russell’s family and friends have setup a GoFundMe page to help his pay for his treatment. Donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ynseec-help-russ-fight-cancer.

Related topics:DoncasterNHS