Campaigning for brave Callan

Callan was only 16 when he was diagnosed with the rare form of bone and soft tissue cancer, Ewing Sarcoma.

This rare form of cancer mainly affects males between the ages of 15 to 20. With only a handful of children in the UK developing Ewing Sarcoma each year, there is little knowledge surrounding it and therefore currently no cure.

Sadly, despite his strong fight, just seven weeks after being diagnosed with this relentless disease, Callan passed away. Throughout his illness Callan never complained or moaned about the situation but only looked to the future, both he and his family were extremely grateful to the nursing staff and doctors who cared for him so well during his fight.

As a motorcross racer, mountain biker and lover of anything else adrenaline fuelled he definitely lived life to the full. He had many great friends from all corners of the country and will be remembered by his friends and family as a true inspiration.

Now Team 338 will pick up Callan’s fight in the hope of one day finding a cure.

Team 338 is a tribute to Callan, set up by his sister Tamara with the 338 representing his motorcross number; a sport he dedicated most of his life to. True to his name the team consisting of family and friends will get involved in all sorts of adrenaline filled events throughout the year, starting with a formal in Oct in the Marine Hotel Ballycastle, to climbing mountains, jumping out of planes, cycling, running, a New Year’s Day Swim & much much more, to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and Friends of the Cancer Centre. With over 9,000 people in Northern Ireland diagnosed with cancer every year and 10 children and young adults in the UK every day it is easy to see how many families are affected. Team 338 are maintaining Callan’s fighting spirit in their bid to raise £20,000 for the charities, in the hope that one day this will no longer be the case.

The £20,000 challenge will run from August 2013 to August 2014, if you would like to get involved and help Team 338 with their fundraising contact Briege or Tamara on 07515833001 or 07784101723 or www.facebook.com/Team338. The girls would like to thank everyone who has supported them in their journey so far, especially their current sponsors: Ivan J Lynn & Sons, Hamilton Plastering Contractors, Seamus McClements and McMullan International. If any local businesses would like to sponsor the Team or anyone would like to buy formal tickets please contact either Briege or Tamara.