For a worthy cause...CANCER...

I will be swimming all 8 events at the 2011 Midmar Mile to raise money for charity. My charity of choice is CHOC, a foundation dedicated to research and the support of children with cancer. I would like to raise upwards of R20 000, and you can help me get there! There are some of you who may be wondering : “Why CHOC?”… Well, here’s why: Craig Bainbridge is a really good friend of mine, now living in Johannesburg. Written by his brother, Marc…

My brother, Craig Bainbridge, aged 29, was diagnosed with Gastro/Oesophegual Cancer in Nov 2009. At the time Craig was residing in Dubai, working as a teacher. Due to some complications with his School’s Medical Aid in Dubai, and his desire to return to his family for is chemotherapy, Craig has been left without any medical aid cover.

In Oct 09, prior to being diagnosed with Cancer, Craig was rushed into the Dubai Neuro/Spinal Hospital to remove a Brain Tumor that had formed over the front left quadrant of his brain. Fortunately Craig was at this point still covered by his medical aid, and his school then paid privately for the 14 Radiation Treatments that were required to ensure that the Brain Tumor would not return, as the Schools Medical Aid policies had now lapsed and Craig was no longer covered by any policy. The School was then unable to get Craig back onto his previous Medical Aid policy, as during this period he was diagnosed with the Cancer.


Through private fundraising activities we have been able to cover some of the additional expenditures and some private treatments, as well as covering any additional costs caused due to other illness, not yet covered by Discovery. Although we have already joined Craig to Discovery, his treatments will only be covered from 2011 and there is also a 3 month exclusion period on any Dr’s appointments, even if unrelated to his Cancer. As the Chemo weakens Craig he is more susceptible to illness and this is causing a great burden on him financially. During the Christmas period, he was diagnosed with 3 Deep Vein Thrombosis’s that prevented him from leaving the house, as the clots could cause a Heart Attack or Stroke, this is caused from the Chemo thickening his blood. The treatment for his DVT’s we covered through our private fundraising as well as the PET scan he need before he started his first round of Chemo, however we are constantly in need of additional funds to keep this option available to Craig.


Although Craig was originally diagnosed with Gastro/Oesophegual Cancer, the PET scan performed prior to his first Chemo treatment, revealed that Craig’s Cancer was moving very aggressively and had now begun to spread into his Lungs, Liver & Spleen. This means Craig’s course of Chemo is very aggressive to combat the Cancer, but this obviously brings about its own problems, in terms of Craig’s susceptibility to illness.

Since this was written, Craig has completed another round of Chemo and an aggressive set of Radio treatments. He also got married to Kate! Through all of these massive hardships, Craig, with the support of his friends and family has managed to stay incredibly positive. Never letting a day get him down, believing that the power of prayer and positive thought will see him safely through to health. He really is an inspiration! Marc, his brother, cycled from Nelspruit to Cape Town to raise awareness and funds for ‘The Bainbridge Believe Project’. There are “Believe” riders doing the 94.7 cycle challenge, and I am swimming 8 Midmar Miles!

For more info and to follow my training: www.bradsblendedbrain.blogspot.com And for the donation form, e-mail me at bradr@cliftonnr.co.za or call +2783 415 5139

Please, if Cancer has affected you or someone near to you, you will understand the strain it puts on the individual and everyone around them. Every cent counts, so please feel free to donate to your heart’s content. In advance…THANK YOU!!!!!!!