Big-hearted supporters are kicking off a major fund-raising drive this weekend to cover the cost of revolutionary treatment for a victim of Multiple Sclerosis.
Matlock Gilbert and Sullivan Society has been spurred into action by the bravery of member Ian Clulow, who suffers from the debilitating disease.
Ian (48), who lives at Lower Pilsley, near Chesterfield, has put himself forward for a pioneering stem cell transplant which, if successful, would offer a beacon of hope to other victims of MS – but this medical procedure will cost £24,000 as it is not available on the NHS.
His friends in the G&S Society have organised several money-spinning events in aid of the appeal, starting tomorrow with a concert at All Saints' Church, in Matlock, at 7.30pm.
The concert will feature performances by the Dalesmen choir and Matlock G&S Society, a raffle and refreshments. Admission is free but there will be a collection.
There will also be a Cornish pasty demonstration with pasty supper and pudding, followed by belly dancing with the Bedouin Beats, at the United Reformed Church, Holymoorside, on Saturday, July 26, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and must be booked in advance by calling (01246) 452508.
Former optician Ian is currently in isolation at home following successful harvesting of his stem cells and will go back to hospital for a second bout of chemotherapy, which will wipe out his remaining immune system. This will be followed by the introduction of the harvested stem cells to his bloodstream so a healthier immune system can start to build back up.
He said: "The treatment has not been particularly easy or pleasant so far, but I am relieved that everything seems to have gone so well.
"I would like to thank all the friends and well-wishers without whose love and support I don't think I could have made it even this far.
"I hope as many people as possible will be able to make it to the official launch concert of the MS Pioneer Fund.
"It is important to me that people have fun and enjoy the events: how could you not, with events as diverse as a cornish pasty demonstration and belly dancing workshops taking place on one evening!"
- For further details or to follow Ian's progress, visit www.mspioneerfund.org.
The full article contains 394 words and appears in Derbyshire Times newspaper.
