Campaigner Cameron is honoured in new film for TV appeal
FRIEND TALKS ABOUT LOSS OF ‘INCREDIBLY BRAVE YOUNG MAN’
THE memory of a young cancer campaigner is being honoured in Stand Up To Cancer’s latest campaign.
Cameron Patel, from Knighton, Leicester, was very open about his battle after he was diagnosed with the disease three times and won the hearts of Mercury readers who followed his story.
Before the third diagnosis, Cameron had undergone a stem cell transplant, with stem cells donated by his mum.
The transplant, which had a 50 per cent chance of success, failed, and the 20-year-old developed graft versus host disease, in which the donated cells attack the body.
Again diagnosed with cancer, he died on May 26 this year, leaving his many friends and loved ones heartbroken.
During his time campaigning, Cameron appeared in a film broadcast during The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer, as part of the national fundraising campaign by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 in March.
Alongside him in that film was Courtney Wildin, from Ibstock, who had also been diagnosed with leukaemia.
They met on a teenage cancer ward at Leicester Royal Infirmary during treatment for leukaemia and they struck up a close friendship.
Now, a new Stand Up To Cancer film has been produced in Cameron’s memory, featuring a new interview with Courtney, 24, on the loss of his dear friend.
It was shown on Channel 4 last night.
On Cameron’s commitment to the cause, Simon Harrison, head of Stand Up To Cancer, said: “We were deeply saddened by the loss of Cameron earlier this year.
“He was an incredibly brave young man, who showed such maturity in facing his diagnosis and treatment, and we were honoured to have his support with our campaign.
“Cameron was so keen to use his experience to help others and raise awareness, always looking for ways to connect with people and make a difference.
“In such a short time he achieved so much, both through his own posts and media coverage and with the Stand Up To Cancer film alongside Courtney.
“We are grateful to Cameron’s family and Courtney for their continuing support with the new film produced in Cameron’s memory.
“We know he had big plans to do so much more, but he has already had a huge impact and touched so many lives. Today, we Stand Up To Cancer for Cameron.”
The film was shown on Channel 4 at 7.55pm last night, as part of a special night of TV which also saw editions of Celebrity Gogglebox and The Last Leg raise awareness of Stand Up To Cancer.
Money raised by Stand Up To Cancer goes to research that aims to get new cancer tests and treatments to people who need them the most.
In such a short time he achieved so much, both through his own posts and media coverage
Simon Harrison