Cancer foundation a ‘fitting tribute’ to Ed’s life and work

Legacy of doctor, 28, who died of rare disease

A foundation established in memory of a young doctor from Canterbury who died from a rare cancer is now working with leading experts on creating a treatment.

Former Simon Langton pupil Ed Showler was training to become a haematologist when he was diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma in 2016. He died eight and a half months later, aged 28.

Soon after, his family and friends created a foundation in his name with the aim of helping young people affected by sarcoma – and CCS in particular – by increasing awareness and supporting research.

Now, the charitable trust is working in partnership with the University College London Cancer Institute on a four-year programme to focus on the form of disease that claimed Ed’s life.

So far, it has generated £475,000 of the £550,000 cost of funding the project. But it hopes to hit £1 million to continue the research.

Clear cell sarcoma is a rare cancer that grows from a tendon, usually in an arm or leg, but in Ed’s case, his big toe.

There has been little research into the cancer and, consequently, little or no viable treatments for anyone diagnosed with the condition - most of them aged between 20 and 40.

Ed’s father, John Showler, of Nackington Road, says there needs to be a fresh approach to studying the disease.

“We feel that this research is a major step forward in learning more about the disease, finding a better treatment and maybe eventually lead to a cure for clear cell sarcoma,” he said.

Ed worked at various hospitals and had begun training to become a consultant haematologist when he became ill.

John says Ed believed he could make a real difference to his patients’ lives through pioneering treatments.

“Ed wanted his life to make a difference and had embarked upon a career that had already fulfilled so much, and no doubt would have achieved so much more as both a medical practitioner and researcher,” he said.

“In combining cutting-edge research techniques and approaches, the Edward Showler Foundation Clear Cell Sarcoma Research Programme represents a fitting tribute to his life, work, and vision.”

‘Ed wanted his life to make a difference and had already fulfilled so much’