09:48 James Hayward wrote:
It’s not always about who is best for a role. Sometimes it’s who would benefit most from the experience. This is amateur dramatics, not the RSC. Do not speak to Emma. Isabel is doing well and deserves a chance.
Message exchange between James Hayward and Isabel Beck on 24 April 2018:
09:50 James Hayward wrote:
Don’t let what other people say get you down. I think you’re doing a sterling job in the role of Lydia, and my opinion is the only one that counts.
09:51 Isabel Beck wrote:
Aw, thanks. That means such a lot. I missed Sam last night. No one says anything bad to me when she’s there. I love being in the play – and won’t let you down by not giving it my best shot! xx
FROM: Lauren Malden
SUBJECT: Oh no!
DATE: 24 April 2018 at 19:43
TO: Isabel Beck
Hello lovely! Josh and I popped into The Grange to talk about maybe hiring it, and Helen told us about Poppy. Did you know she has a brain tumour? What do you say? I wish I didn’t have any medical training, so I could feel as positive and hopeful as they do. Managed to fake it eventually, but my face dropped a mile when I first heard. They seem to have a glittering life on the surface, but they are just as helpless as the next family in the face of something like this. Paige brought Poppy in while we were there. They’d just been to Mount More to have her Hickman line fitted. She was groggy, but still sang us a song. Gutting. Anyway, how are you, my lovely? Josh’s old friend from uni just got divorced. Come to 90s Night this Saturday – I can introduce you . . . kiss kiss, L xxx
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Re: Oh no!
DATE: 24 April 2018 at 19:58
TO: Lauren Malden
We’ve known for a while. Martin sent an email to The Fairways – maybe you’ve been taken off the list because you haven’t been to rehearsals for so long. James is directing the play now. Paige had to drop out, so he asked me to take over her role. Sorry about Saturday, I’m on nights. Issy
FROM: Martin Hayward
SUBJECT: Poppy news
DATE: 26 April 2018 at 12:45
TO: Current Members
Dear all,
Again, apologies for unanswered messages and emails. Helen and I are truly humbled by the thoughts, prayers and numerous offers of help we have received. We read and appreciate every message, but it’s not possible to reply to them all and give Poppy, Paige and Glen the support they need. We hope you understand.
In the weeks since Poppy’s diagnosis, Helen and Paige have been sourcing global research into Medulloblastoma. Last year a pioneering drug therapy was tested at a leading cancer hospital in Massachusetts, USA. In these comprehensive tests one particular drug combination showed significant positive results in the treatment of Poppy’s rare type of cancer. These exciting results indicate that its success rate as a cure will far exceed that of the drugs currently used to treat brain cancer in the UK. The trouble is, that experimental phase is over and the drug won’t be available here for many years, thanks to the process involved in introducing a new drug therapy to the NHS. We fear this delay will be too late for Poppy. So, we propose to buy a course of treatment from the research-and-development laboratory.
We have the support of Poppy’s doctors at Mount More, in particular the incomparable Consultant Oncologist Dr Tish Bhatoa, who will give Poppy an initial course of conventional chemotherapy from Monday, to arrest and stabilise her tumour while we raise the necessary funds. Here’s where I take a deep breath . . .
The American drug combination costs a staggering £250,000. This is a huge amount, but Poppy is facing her illness with such bravery and good humour, it is unthinkable we could let that stand in the way of her being cured. Her little smile lights up our world. She laughs all the time and jokes with the nurses and doctors, even when she’s feeling poorly. She doesn’t let the bad days stop her from enjoying every moment of every good day, and we can all learn a lesson from that.
This is where we can all do something positive and productive. We have set up a crowdfunding page and would like to ask that you share the link with friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances. Every little helps. A flyer is attached for those who would prefer to print something out or forward it. We are not people who readily ask for help, but we owe it to Poppy to pursue every avenue and take every opportunity if it means she can be well again. We would be eternally grateful for your support. Together we can cure Poppy.
With much love, thanks and gratitude, Martin, Paige, Glen, Helen and Poppy
Support A Cure for Poppy Campaign at www.wefund.com/acureforpoppy, thank you!
FROM: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
SUBJECT: Re: Poppy news
DATE: 26 April 2018 at 13:15
TO: Martin Hayward
You know I worked in fundraising before Harley. I propose the following:
1. A large event to launch the appeal. Black tie, food, wine, music, dancing, raffle, auction.
2. Sponsorship. Marathons, cycle rides, extreme sports, muddy runs, swims, walks. If someone signs up for something, Poppy must be front-of-mind.
3. Targeting of high-net-worth individuals and corporate donations. Let’s brainstorm.
4. Social media. Share, share, share.
5. Small events. Keep the momentum going between larger initiatives.
I can start on the launch event today, pull in a few favours, get some local press and fix a date asap. It will free you all to concentrate on Poppy.
Sarah-Jane MacDonald
FROM: Beth Halliday
SUBJECT: Re: Poppy news
DATE: 26 April 2018 at 13:40
TO: Martin Hayward
Hi Martin, we’re having a Charity Bake Off after our exams and will do it for Poppy’s appeal. Good luck, Beth
FROM: Joyce Walford
SUBJECT: Re: Poppy news
DATE: 26 April 2018 at 14:00
TO: Martin Hayward
I’m not clicking on anything. Last time I got a virus. But I’ve withdrawn a donation for Poppy at the building society and will give it to Helen at the next rehearsal. Bless Poppy’s little heart and pray God this is her cure. Joyce
FROM: John O’Dea
SUBJECT: Re: Poppy news
DATE: 26 April 2018 at 14:14
TO: Martin Hayward
We donated to the appeal. John and family
FROM: Marianne Payne
SUBJECT: Re: Poppy news
DATE: 26 April 2018 at 14:20
TO: Martin Hayward
Dear Martin and Helen, I’ve just donated on your charity page, as will the rest of the family after payday. I’ll send your email round at work, then to the football club and the gym. Mick will print off the flyers and take them to the pub, and Karen’s already asked if she can put some up at work. They are usually very good with things like that and have even fund-matched for charity events in the past, so we’ll get a form for you. We’ll raise that £250,000 in no time, just you watch. Love to you all, Marianne
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Hiya!
DATE: 26 April 2018 at 20:06
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Hiya Sam,
Medulloblastoma – that’s not good news. I’ve started an email to Martin a couple of times and deleted it. Gearing myself up to be positive. I hope they’ve found a cure, but really, what are the chances? Still, if they all focus on the fundraising, they’ll feel like they’re doing something, won’t they? It’s a good thing. And who knows, maybe this really is a breakthrough in treatment. Wow, £250,000 makes you realise how lucky we are. It’s easy to forget everything has a price. A whole box of Rivaroxaban went out of date yesterday and the B-team binned the lot. What a waste. Are you around at lunch for line-learning? I’m free, so message me at break. Love Issy
FROM: Dr Alicja Szkatulska
SUBJECT: Re: a friend with cancer
DATE: 27 April 2018 at 08:10
TO: Sam
antha Greenwood
Dear Ms Greenwood,
I think I remember you from the medical centre in Mobaye, although it was six years ago. Thank you for your email. I am truly sorry to hear about your friend’s granddaughter. Medulloblastoma is usually aggressive and difficult to treat. Hopefully the American drug you mention will prove a positive step. Unfortunately, I have no means of finding out more about it. US R&D is generally funded by commercial operations, so is kept under wraps to protect the company’s financial interests. Once it is released on to the US market, they will no doubt approach us about taking it, but I’ve known drugs take ten years to be approved for NHS use. I have no way of knowing whether the new combination will be effective and haven’t heard of any other new treatments aimed specifically at Medulloblastoma in recent years. Mount More is certain to have the latest available. I am sorry I can’t be of any further help, but wish your friends well with their fundraising and you with your half-marathon.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Alicja Szkatulska
SAS Doctor, Department of Oncology
Edinburgh University Hospital
FROM: A Cure for Poppy
SUBJECT: Poppy’s Ball
DATE: 30 April 2018 at 09:35
TO: Current Members
You are cordially invited to Poppy’s Ball on Saturday 19 May 2018 at 7 p.m. all proceeds to A Cure for Poppy
A Cure for Poppy is an appeal to raise £250,000 so that two-year-old Poppy Reswick can receive groundbreaking drug treatment from America for her rare brain cancer. To launch this crowdfunding appeal we are holding a black-tie ball on 19 May. This fun and glamorous event is not to be missed!
In the Horizon Room at The Grange Country Club guests can enjoy a three-course meal with specially selected Casillero del Diablo wines, treat themselves to a rainbow of delectable sweets in the Candy Grotto and create lifelong memories of the evening in our free photo-booths. Tony Zucchero and his big swing band will provide the music, while Cameron Hilford, star of Radio 4’s late-night panel show Blindfold, will host a luxury raffle and celebrity auction.
Tickets are £80 each. For further details please click on the link below, or contact Campaign Coordinator Sarah-Jane MacDonald.
Support A Cure for Poppy Campaign at www.wefund.com/acureforpoppy, thank you!
FROM: John O’Dea
SUBJECT: Re: Poppy’s Ball
DATE: 30 April 2018 at 09:37
TO: A Cure for Poppy
We will be away. John and family
FROM: Denise Malcolm
SUBJECT: Re: Poppy’s Ball
DATE: 30 April 2018 at 10:26
TO: A Cure for Poppy
Steve can’t drink Chilean wine and none of us will eat the sweets. How much are reduced tickets?
FROM: Martin Hayward
SUBJECT: Re: A suggestion
DATE: 30 April 2018 at 19:15
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions. Actually we did consider campaigning to fast-track the drug’s approval process, but on balance decided that time is not on our side and that raising money to buy the drug would be the fastest, most effective course of action for Poppy. We have been overwhelmed by the response to our campaign and simply cannot thank everyone enough. Best wishes training for your run. Regards, Martin
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Hiya!
DATE: 1 May 2018 at 07:32
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Hi Sam, really enjoyed last night’s rehearsal. It’s so much better to have a friend there. Barry and Nick have terrible American accents, don’t you think? I know mine comes and goes, but I’m working on it. Only Helen has nailed it completely, but then she’s brilliant at accents. You and Kel are very close, too. I saw you speaking to Helen at tea break. Was it about the play? If there’s anything you need to know, ask me and I’ll find out – to save bothering her. Have you and Kel bought your tickets to the ball yet? I thought it was a typing error when I read they cost £80. Might catch you as we change shifts this afternoon. Love Issy
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Sorry!
DATE: 1 May 2018 at 07:35
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Sorry, forgot to mention in my last email – I’m thinking of taking up running. Can I come out with you when you go training? I won’t be able to tackle a half-marathon yet, but perhaps I could work my way up to a 5k? Anyway, it will be nice to go jogging together and better for me than sitting in the staffroom on my own. Love Issy
FROM: Joyce Walford
SUBJECT: Little Poppy
DATE: 2 May 2018 at 09:24
TO: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
Wonderful news, Sarah-Jane! Marianne’s given me a form from Sainsbury’s. All you have to do is fill in how much you raise and they pay the same amount. They really do pay up – her Karen did a Race for Life last year. So now you only have to get £125,000 and they pay the rest. Poppy is going to be over this and back to full health in no time!
FROM: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
SUBJECT: Re: Little Poppy
DATE: 2 May 2018 at 09:28
TO: Joyce Walford
No they won’t, Joyce. They only do that for registered charities, and only if one of their employees completes a sponsored event. Poppy’s appeal is different. It’s a crowdfunding campaign. I also believe the amount is capped, so they wouldn’t pay £125,000 even if it were a registered charity.
Sarah-Jane MacDonald
FROM: Martin Hayward
SUBJECT: Thank you, but . . .
DATE: 2 May 2018 at 23:19
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Helen tells me you would like to know more about the American drug manufacturer, so you can apply some pressure on the approval system. Do be assured we have the support of our oncologist at Mount More, who is liaising with the US on our behalf. We want to concentrate on fundraising and not risk them becoming reluctant to sell to us – even if that’s a remote chance. But thank you so much, Sam, we really appreciate you looking at the bigger picture. Regards, Martin
FROM: Dr Tish Bhatoa
SUBJECT: Re:
DATE: 3 May 2018 at 16:40
TO: Samantha Greenwood
I cannot discuss any of the subjects you raise. The treatment of patients is highly confidential. This is something I am sure you, with your medical background, will understand.
Dr Tish Bhatoa, MA, PhD, MRCP
CONSULTANT CLINICAL ONCOLOGIST
MOUNT MORE HOSPITAL
FROM: Joyce Walford
SUBJECT: Re: Little Poppy
DATE: 3 May 2018 at 17:00
TO: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
If a charity to save the life of a little two-year-old girl isn’t registered, then I don’t know what is. I’ll give the form to Helen when I see her.
FROM: Tanya Strickland
SUBJECT: Re: hello, old friend
DATE: 3 May 2018 at 18:09
TO: Kel Greenwood
Hey Kel! Good to hear from you. So you’re back in the UK? I didn’t think you would ever come home. We must get together and reminisce about MSF. Is Sam all right now? Yes, I’m in R&D at Koyami Corp, or put another way: a doctor without patients. It’s different.
Sorry to hear about your friend’s child. But I can’t officially recommend they use an unapproved drug. There’s a reason it takes so long for a new combination to make it to the front line: remember Thalidomide . . . But even if you put those concerns aside, theoretically anyone can come up with a new wonder-drug and offer it to the NHS – promising the earth, like salespeople do. If we don’t put it through our own trials, how would we know whether it was more, less or equally as effective as a drug we already use? We’d waste millions. The money that changes hands at this level you wouldn’t believe.
Having said all that, if my child had Medulloblastoma and there was a drug available anywhere else on earth, with a remote chance it could cure them, I’d do exactly the same as your friends. I’ll sponsor
Sam for her run – send the link to my personal email above – and let’s get together soon. All the best, Tanya
FROM: Dr Tish Bhatoa
SUBJECT: Re:
DATE: 3 May 2018 at 21:57
TO: Samantha Greenwood
I appreciate your questions were not specific to the treatment of an individual patient, and that you only wish to help a friend. But I consider them inappropriate and will not enter into any further correspondence – unless it is to inform St Ann’s of the real reason you left Bangui.
Dr Tish Bhatoa, MA, PhD, MRCP
CONSULTANT CLINICAL ONCOLOGIST
MOUNT MORE HOSPITAL
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Sob!
DATE: 4 May 2018 at 11:44
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Hiya Sam, Gaynor said you called in sick today. I brought my jogging bottoms and trainers in too . . . Oh well, we can go out for our run when you’re back. Hope you’re not too poorly. At least you get to learn lines all day . . . It’s my worst nightmare here: you-know-who on the desk, the A-team on ward and Gaynor in one of her moods. Triple-whammy. Marianne is coming to the next rehearsal to measure us up for costumes. I can’t wait! Once you’re dressed as your character you really feel the part. I loved my maid’s outfit for Blithe Spirit. Hope you feel better soon. Love Issy
FROM: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
SUBJECT: A Cure for Poppy – Fundraising Update
DATE: 5 May 2018 at 08:30
TO: Martin Hayward
Amount raised to date: £74,000 – that’s just from the crowdfunding page. Let me know how much you’ve received offline, so I can quote an accurate figure. Ball update: Ticket sales are up to 65%. Kevin has asked permission at his Lodge to promote the event there, which could make all the difference – why he needs to ask permission, I know not, but then I’m just a woman. For a breakdown of costs, sales and profit forecast, see the spreadsheet attached.
The Appeal Page 3