SAINTS will be proudly sporting Bone Cancer Research Trust’s logo ahead of its final two games of the season.
They will be wearing the charity’s t-shirts on Friday and next week in memory of Harrison Ledsham, who was a huge supporter of the club.
The T-shirts will bear Harrison’s motto “Never Give Up” to inspire others and raise awareness about primary bone cancer in the run-up to the charity’s Awareness Week in October.
Harrison was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2014 and died in May this year, aged just 12.
His parents Karen and Paul, from Haydock, said it will be a proud moment to see the Saints players wear warm-up tops with Harrison’s name on them.
“It’s vital to raise more awareness of primary bone cancer so a cure may one day be found to stop it taking precious children,” said Karen.
“Harrison would have been delighted that his name would have been on the tops of his favourite team – he would see it as a good luck charm and hope they win for him.”
Although primary bone cancer affects anyone at any age, osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma are more common in people aged 10-24. The main symptoms of swelling or bone pain can often be mistaken for sporting injuries or growing pains, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Julie Harrington, BCRT Chief Executive, said: “Working with Saints and Harrison’s family is a fantastic opportunity to educate rugby players, fans and their families about healthy bones and to champion awareness of this disease, which affects 600 people in the UK and Ireland every year.”
“Patients know their own bodies better than anyone. If you have any unexplained lumps or pain, don’t hesitate to discuss the possibility of primary bone cancer with your doctor – at least to rule it out.
To find out more about the Bone Cancer Research Trust, visit www.bcrt.org.uk
