ANDY COOK (Bass Clarinet) ENTERS BRITAINS LONGEST CANOE RACE in aid of MYELOMA UK

Andy Cook (Bass Clarinet) is attempting an epic challenge and having a big drive at fundraising for Myeloma UK. This Easter (March 21st to 24th 2008) he has entered the Devizes to Westminster 125 mile canoe race in a single Kayak.  If he is successful it will be a great way to celebrate his 50^th year and the 10^th anniversary of his Myeloma (bone marrow cancer) treatment.

In September 1998 Andy was diagnosed with a collapsed vertebrae in the back caused by Myeloma (bone marrow cancer).  He then endured a very gruelling and dangerous year of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. 

Andy returned to teaching in Sept 1999.  However, he got ill health retirement about 5 years ago and took on other work.  The treatment had done a wonderful job, but his muscles were much reduced.  Once free of the long hours demanded by teaching he could start to rebuild his body through the physical activities he had always done.  Initially he thought his damaged back would never cope with portaging (carrying the kayak at locks) but it now seems to have fixed itself reasonably well.   He did the Windsor and Wycombe ½ marathons and climbed Ben Nevis.  

As Andy was unable to get an entry in the London Marathon for this year he decided to try to turn the Devizes-Westminster dream into a reality instead.  His 1^st race in 20 years was Windsor Veterans, where he won his age group and was elated.  He has done 4 more races:  one was 10 miles from Stratford on Avon to Bidford on Avon with weirs to shoot. On Sunday he did the same as he will be doing on Good Friday, Devizes to Newbury, 34 miles.

Andy will go through Reading late morning to mid day Saturday, all paddlers have to pause at Wokingham Canoe Club just after the Kennet and Avon meets the Thames.

Andy has used the ½ marathons and Ben Nevis as opportunities to publicise Myeloma UK in the Bucks Free, Mid Week and Star, and also raise money.  More people are being diagnosed with Myeloma, but still many people have not heard of it, fund raising for research to find a cure and better treatment is important, but Myeloma awareness amongst the public is an important aim. 

To sponsor Andy (and who wouldn't?) you can visit Andy's donation page at http://www.justgiving.com/andycook1, or to make it even easier just click on the Donate to Myeloma link right here.

From everybody in Woodley Concert Band - GOOD LUCK Andy.........

WOODLEY CONCERT BAND ARE PLAYING AT WOODLEY CARNIVAL, WOODFORD PARK, WOODLEY ON SATURDAY 14 JUNE at 5.30pm 5 weeks, 16 hours, 18 minutes, 42 seconds until your next chance to hear the band

For full details of band appearances this year, see our Gig Guide