Sarcoma UK: Rare Cancer Charity Releases Exclusive New Film
Sarcoma UK releases an inspiring film about the experiences of people living with a rare form of cancer of soft tissue and bone, as part of Sarcoma Awareness Week (13-19 June).
Rare cancer charity releases exclusive new film
Sarcoma UK releases an inspiring film about the experiences of people living with a rare form of cancer of soft tissue and bone, as part of Sarcoma Awareness Week (13-19 June). Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the supporting or connective tissues of the body such as muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, blood vessels and fat. Sarcoma affects 3200 people each year including children and teenagers.
Produced by Papercut Pictures on behalf of Sarcoma UK, the film is a poignant reminder of the reality of this devastating form of cancer. One of the stars of the film is Katherine Stittle, sister of James Stittle, the film’s producer. Sadly, Katherine died two weeks before the film’s launch. James said, “What she wanted more than anything was to raise awareness of sarcoma and this film is a fitting tribute to my sister and her courage in coping with sarcoma.”
The film features real-life stories about people’s experiences of living with sarcoma. The footage gives great insight into what it is like to live with a rare cancer that no-one understands or knows about, and the steps people take to live positively when faced with an uncertain future.
Pippa and Stacey are teenagers with an extremely rare form of sarcoma called paediatric GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumour - a type of soft tissue sarcoma found in the stomach and intestines). Living at different ends of the UK (southern England and Scotland), the girls and their families have formed a strong friendship based on their shared experiences and desire to raise the profile of this little-known cancer. The film gives an insight into their hopes and motivations, and shows the optimism of young people living with a rare cancer.
Roger Wilson, aged 64, was diagnosed in 1999 with myxofibrosarcoma, one of the less-common soft tissue sarcomas. He had surgery, followed by a recurrence treated with further surgery and chemotherapy, and then after a long remission required further surgery in 2007 which entailed amputation of his lower left leg. In early 2011, he received treatment (surgery) for a further recurrence in his upper left leg. In the film Roger talks about how his cancer diagnosis made him determined to help others affected by sarcoma. He explains: “Even after two years I had never knowingly met another patient, so when we started to offer information and develop new lines of contact for others it was also support for us.” He founded Sarcoma UK in 2003 to provide support and information, and has recently been honoured with a CBE for his work.
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The film premiere takes place on 16 June at London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, and will be available on Sarcoma UK’s website from 17 June at www.sarcoma.org.uk.
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Notes to Editors:
- For further information please contact Lindsey Bennister, Chief Executive, Sarcoma UK (lindsey.bennister@sarcoma.org.uk) or 020 7250 8271 or 07825 701329
- The film premiere at London Transport Museum is by invite only
- Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the supporting or connective tissues of the body such as muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, blood vessels and fat.
- There are around 70 different sub-types of sarcoma.
- There are around 3200 new cases of sarcoma diagnosed each year in the UK.
- Sarcomas are some of the commonest childhood cancers.
- Sarcoma UK is the main charity in the UK dealing with all types of sarcomas.
- Sarcoma UK’s aim is to achieve the best possible standard of treatment and care for patients with sarcoma. It does this through:
- o Funding scientific and medical research into causes and treatments;
- o Delivering a range of support and information services covering all aspects of sarcoma;
- o Raising awareness of sarcoma amongst the public, healthcare professionals and policy makers;
- o Campaigning on behalf of sarcoma patients for improved treatment and care.
- Sarcoma UK relies on voluntary donations and fundraising activities to fund its work.
- Sarcoma UK works collaboratively with doctors, nurses, researchers, and other cancer charities.
The film was produced by Papercut Pictures, an independent film company dedicated to producing fresh and creative video content for charities, organisations and NGOs. The producer of the film is James Stittle and he is available for interview. For more information: http://www.papercutpictures.com/. contact info@papercutpictures.com or www.facebook.com/papercutpictures.
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