Young cancer patient helps to launch fundraising drive

Megan Kershaw, 12, from Misson, underwent 18 months of chemotherapy for a rare liver tumour, which ended last year.

Her mother Deborah Kershaw said: "Megan is doing really well. She's now being closely monitored by the consultant oncologist in Sheffield and will have to have regular scans and check-ups to make sure no tumours reappear.

"We've had some great help, including some help at home, but there's always room for more. The ideal situation would have been to receive as much care as possible at home to limit the disruption to our family life.

"I have another daughter, Bronwen, so the more community-based care we could have received the better.

"Our Clic Sargent social worker helped me with some really important issues, particularly relating to my finances.

"It would have been even better if we'd also had the benefit of a Clic Sargent nurse who could have co-ordinated all of Megan's care and social issues."

The charity launch event at Tesco's Sheffield Infirmary branch today will kick off a year of fundraising at the supermarket chain, which aims to raise 5m to fund specialist children's cancer nurses.

Store manager Georgina Yateman said: "The money raised from the partnership will help local children with cancer spend more time at home."

Tesco staff and customers will be raising money through a variety of events, such as sponsored sky dives, abseils and fancy dress days.