The Jack Brown Appeal

The Metropolitan Police ‘Peelers’ Ice Hockey Club hosted an ice hockey tournament on Saturday 30th June 2007. The tournament was organised by Inspector Steve Tysoe, club secretary and response team Inspector based at Hammersmith Police station. Five teams took part: The RAF (Aces), Royal Navy (Kings), British Army (Blades), HM Prison Service (Tornados), MPS (Peelers). The tournament ran all day at Alexandra Palace Ice Rink, ending with a final between the MPS Peelers and the RN Kings. The RN Kings won the final 5 – 2. Steve Tysoe said “Although attendance was significantly reduced due to the critical security threat level over the weekend, the day saw some first class sport and entertainment for those who made it to the rink. It was great to receive such tremendous support from all involved and we raised over £1500.00 towards Jack Brown’s treatment in America. Rear Left: MPS Peelers Club Chairman – Constable Mike Jones (Tournament Flag in Centre) Rear Right: MPS Peelers Club Secretary – Inspector Steve Tysoe Front Row: Tournament Mascots from MPS Peelers (in blue) and HMPS Tornados (in red).
7th March 2007 Jack's appeal featured on BBC News 24 - UK cancer boy's treatment hope Watch the interview Read the story 23rd January 2007 Jack's appeal featured on BBC News 24 - Cancer boy's family may lose home Read the story Jack Brown's parents talk about the operation. Watch the interview 22nd January 2007 Telegraph By Tom Leonard in New York Link to Telegraph article British cancer boy needs £375,000 for pioneering US care A detective whose family has had to move from London to New York to obtain pioneering cancer treatment for her five-year-old son blamed NHS under-funding yesterday. Yvonne Brown and her husband, Richard, both former Scotland Yard officers, have been living with their children in one room in Manhattan since Dec 1 while their youngest child, Jack, receives treatment at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Center. The hospital is the only place in the world that provides an antibody treatment for neuroblastoma, a cancer that attacks nerve cells. In London, the Browns were told that the cancer was incurable if, as in Jack's case, there had been a relapse. Mrs Brown, 39, said British experts had given Jack a 20 per cent chance of survival after he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2004. They warned her that the American hospital would "simply take your money and experiment on your child". Although she acknowledged that the financial cost has been crippling – the couple need to raise $750,000 (£375,000) to cover Jack's US medical bills – Mrs Brown said the antibody treatment has so far had a 75 per cent success rate. She stressed that since he had been given the treatment, Jack had only relapsed in his brain, which was also the only place that the antibodies are unable to reach. Mrs Brown, who lives in Barnet, north London, said she feared that the British scepticism about the treatment was motivated more by financial than medical considerations. Jack was due to start chemotherapy today and Great Ormond Street Hospital, which keeps his stem cells, had refused to get involved, said Mrs Brown. The couple will have to pay around £12,600 to have the cells couriered out to New York after the London hospital refused to let a family friend bring them out. The Metropolitan Police has allowed the couple to keep their jobs as detectives in north London while the Commissioner's office notified its New York counterpart of their predicament. "At the moment the Met has been hugely supportive to us but we can't go on like this for ever," said Mrs Brown. The couple, and their two older children, have been living with Jack in one small room in the Ronald McDonald house, a charity for seriously ill children. They have received numerous offers of support from New York police officers who have learnt of their plight. An anonymous British benefactor has promised to give them $350,000 if they can raise the same amount themselves. "Not raising this money is not an option. People tell us how strong we are, but we're not," said Mrs Brown. "You do it because you don't have a choice. He's a fantastic child and we will do whatever we can to give him the best chance of life. "It's very humbling that people are prepared to do this for a child they never met." Information about Jack's appeal can be found at jackbrownappeal.org. The Browns, both detective sergeants, raised the initial $350,000 that the antibodies treatment would cost through an appeal in Britain and various fund-raising events, including running around London, taking in every borough police station, in 36 hours. When Jack had a relapse as he was being treated in New York the hospital said it would cost an additional $750,000 to treat him, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and recuperative therapy (the hospital room costs at least $3,000 a night). The Browns are only just beginning to raise this new sum. They have not sold their house in north London as it offered some security for their other children, but Mr Brown said they would do so if need be.
20th January 2007 New York Daily News By Christina Boyle Link to New York Daily News article City offers Brit boy a fighting chance to beat cancer In a desperate bid to save their son's life, two Scotland Yard detectives have moved their family from London to New York to take advantage of the city's pioneering cancer treatments. Jack Brown, 5, was given a 20% chance of survival by doctors in England after being diagnosed in 2004 with neuroblastoma, a cancer that attacks specialized nerve cells. But Jack is now at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he is receiving a cancer antibody not available in the United Kingdom. The new drug has been 100% effective in 10 other children who received the treatment. "We might still lose our child," his mom, Yvonne Brown, 39, said. "But his chances have increased tremendously by him being here." A massive fund-raising effort helped Yvonne Brown and and her husband, Richard Brown, fly to the United States with their beloved boy. But unexpected complications mean they now need an additional $750,000 to cover his medical costs. "Not raising this money is not an option," said Yvonne Brown, a detective in Scotland Yard's fraud squad. "People tell us how strong we are, but we're not. You do it because you don't have a choice. He's a fantastic child and we will do whatever we can to give him the best chance of life." Fewer than 100 kids develop neuroblastoma each year in the United Kingdom. The Browns' two other kids also have moved to New York. The family lives in the Ronald McDonald House, which provides temporary housing for young cancer patients and their families. If the Browns raise $350,000, a benefactor, who has asked not to be identified, will match the figure. "It's very humbling that people are prepared to do this for a child they never met," Yvonne Brown said.
24th December 2006 The News of the World By Sara Nuwar LITTLE Jack Brown curls up exhausted on his mother's lap at Christmas dinner. Too tired to play with his new toys. His little body beginning to succumb to a hidden disease deep within him. This was the festive snap (right) that gave his mum Yvonne and dad Richard the first inkling that something was very wrong with their three-year-old son. It alerted doctors to his illness — and probably helped keep Jack alive today. For after months of medical investigation he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma — a fast-growing childhood cancer which attacks nerve cells. Now the brave youngster is still fighting for survival and the family are pinnig their hopes on revolutionary new treatment developed in the US. Yvonne, 39, recalls that Christmas Day 2004 picture with anguish. "Jack looked like a sleeping angel. He'd been playing with his Thomas the Tank train set for hours," she says. "But by the time we sat down to dinner in the afternoon, he was completely exhausted. "At first we just put it down to the excitement of the day — but then on Boxing Day we went for a walk and Jack was so tired I had to carry him. Then he developed a limp and pains in his tummy. "Later when we told the doctors about that Christmas they put two and two together and realised that picture showed the first evidence of the cancer attacking him." Yvonne and Richard, 40, both police officers from north London, have endured two years of hell watching their brave youngster's rollercoaster battle for life. At first his cancer failed to respond to chemotherapy and he was given a 20 per cent chance of survival. Then miraculously in summer 2005 a large tumour in his stomach shrank back—but doctors warned the Browns that microscopic cancer cells still lurking in his little body would make a relapse inevitable. Now they are desperately raising funds so he can complete £380,000 revolutionary new treatment in New York which Yvonne researched on the internet. In the race against time, Jack has already had to stop once to have chemotherapy on a brain tumour. "The treatment works by flooding the immune system with antibodies to destroy these cells," says Yvonne. "We ask for your prayers for our little boy—and any donation you can give," says Yvonne. "This treatment is Jack's only chance. I owe it to him to see that he gets it. That would be the best Christmas present ever."
15th December 2006 Times, Hendon and Finchley By Katie Begley Brave Jack faces fresh cancer fight By Janaki Mahadevan Five-year-old cancer sufferer Jack Brown, who is being treated in America after around £250,000 was raised through a life-saving campaign, has had a huge setback after doctors discovered a tumour on his brain. Jack, of Bedford Avenue, Barnet, was diagnosed with rare Neuroblastoma two years ago. Since then, his parents have fought to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to pay for pioneering treatment at the Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, one of the few places in the world to treat the cancer at an advanced stage. However, due to the ongoing necessity for research at the centre, fees are extremely high. Up until last week, Jack had been doing well and was undergoing a course of antibody treatment which cost $350,000, which was raised through the massive fundraising effort. However, due to his relapse, the family needs to raise the additional $750,000 for further surgery. Jack's mother, Yvonne Brown, said: "During the week we learnt the estimated cost of treatment amounts to $750,000 (£380,000). I felt physically sick when this eventually sank in. How on earth can that sort of money be raised in a few months? "But Jack has fought long and hard, never succumbing, only emerging stronger than before. Now the next battle approaches and we know that despite a painful and exhausting lump inside his head, tummy pains, the effects of steroids, he will fight a good fight." Neuroblastoma is a solid tumour cancer that begins in the nerve tissue of the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis but usually originates in the abdomen in the tissue of the adrenal gland. A charity evening to raise funds for the Jack Brown Appeal is taking place at the Spires Shopping Centre, High Street, Barnet, on Sunday from 5pm to 9.30pm. There will be face painting, raffle prizes, a tombola and music from The Collective. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children.
10th November 2006 BBC News Link to BBC London Romford cops' race to help 5 year old fight cancer Two Romford police officers have taken to the streets of New York to try and help save a young boy fighting for his life. Five year old Jack Brown has cancer of the nervous system. He's had treatment in this country, but only has a 20% chance of survival without specialist care in America to stop the cancer from returning. When PCs Mark Edwards and Chris Harding heard about his plight they knew they had to do something to help. So they teamed up with the NYPD, and ran over 26 miles in the New York Marathon to help raise money for Jack. PC Edwards said after the race "We knew that Jack's life depending on additional funds so Chris and I spoke to the NYPD to arrange the sought-after places." He added: "The officers from the NYPD were incredibly welcoming and the race itself went really well with us completing in 5 hours and 9 minutes”. The officers managed to secure pledges of £5000. But more funds need to be raised in order for Jack to continue his treatment. Mark and Chris are now planning further events next year to help Jack.
11th May 2006 Times, Hendon and Finchley By Katie Begley Barbara steps up for young cancer victim. Carry on walking: EastEnders star Barbara Windsor made great strides on Saturday morning as she started a five-mile walk across the borough to help raise money for four-year-old Jack Brown, who has a rare form of cancer called Neuroblastoma. More than 120 people took part in the two-and-a half walk from East Finchley Tube station to Barnet, raising about £6’000 towards sending Jack to America for potentially life saving treatment.
22nd April 2006 The Press, Hendon and Finchley Edition By Katie Begley A family's thanks as Press readers rally with £13,000 to help save little Jack Brown. 'It's hard to put into words how much it means to us' KINDHEARTED residents are rallying to help save the life of four-year-old Jack Brown who is bravely battling cancer. dLast week his parents, Yvonne and Richard, of Bedford Avenue, Barnet, made a desperate plea for help to raise £200,000 to send Jack to New York to undergo breakthrough treatment that could save his life. Jack suffers from a rare form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma which has spread to every bone in his body. Just hours after the story appeared in The Press, the family's appeal headquarters in Hendon was inundated with donations and offers to help. The total raised so far is £25,000 jumping by a massive £13,000 since last week's appeal in The Press.
	The Jack Brown appeal team, revealed that the office has been inundated with calls and offers to help since The Press published Jack's story last week. They said: "The response has been absolutely amazing. The phones have been ringing off the hook and one man even came in and gave us £100 in cash when he'd already donated online as well. It's fantastic."
Jack has to travel to New York because the treatment that could save his life, is unavailable in the UK because it has not been trialed in Europe.Even with extensive chemotherapy only one in five children with the condition will survive after two years. Mr Borwn said his family have been totally overwhelmed by the response and thanked everyone for all their help. He said: "Yvonne and I have been touched by all the heartfelt messages that have come through. It's hard to put into words how much it means to us to see people read about Jack's story and hand over their hard earned cash out of the goodness of their own hearts. "We're talking about individuals, not companies, who are helping us and it means so much. "What's great for us as a family is that we have regained control of Jack's care. We're having a positive impact on him with everything we do instead of just waiting for the next bad thing to happen to him. "It's great for us as a family to know we have this kind of support from total strangers."
The story which inspired many to help JACK'S story has touched the hearts of residents across the borough with many jumping at the chance to help him. Sara Sibley, 33, of Manor Park Road, East Finchley, said she was so moved by Jack's story she had to do something to help. So she is organising a march from East Finchley tube station to Barnet tube station on Saturday May 6. She said: "I read the story and it hit home that it could so easily have been my family. My friends and I want to do as much as we can to help Jack." Mrs Sibley and friends will be leaving East Finchley station at 10am and welcome anyone who wants to walk with them and help collect money on the day. She added: "Anyone can join us and we'll be asking people on the day to make donations as we walk up the street." Jerry Leonard, a governor at Pope
Paul School, Baker Street, Potters Bar and Mike Bhania, of Mays Lane, Barnet are also planning fundraising events across the borough. Mr Leonard told The Press: "When you read the story and all the things that little fella is going through you realise you have to do something. "Any parent can empathise with Yvonne and Richard, you can imagine what they are going through and how hard it must be to deal with. "We can all do our little bit to help."
Police chief's bike team to help Jack POLICE chief Mark Ricketts will lead a team of 21 officers as they cycle to Brighton to raise money for Jack's appeal. The borough commander will lead the team from Barnet as they take part in the London to Brighton bike race on June 18. Mr Ricketts said he hopes the team will raise at least £2,000 to help Jack's parents, Yvonne and Richard, raise the £200,000 they need. He told The Press: "Yvonne works for me and she has continued to show dedication to the job despite focusing all her attention on Jack. "She has shown great loyalty to us and we all feel we owe it to her to repay that loyalty. Jack's story really tugs at the heart strings, parents can imagine the pain the family are going through, and even those without kids can't help but be moved. "It is one of those rare occasions when we arenot raising
money for a children's charity which looks after a child when they're almost dead. "We have a chance to make a real difference to this little lad's life and it's an opportunity, not just as the borough commander but as a father, that I wouldn't miss."

20th April 2006 The Press, Hendon and Finchley Edition By Katie Begley Four-year-old with cancer needs £200,000 treatment in USA YOU'RE JACK'S ONLY HOPE AT just four years old, Jack Brown's life is slipping away. In this short time he has undergone 15 excrutiating bouts of chemotherapy and several operations, which have strained all his vital organs. He suffers from a rare form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma which has infected every bone in his body, and his only chance of surviving is a trip to New York to undergo a breakthrough treatment. But it will cost $350,000 - about £200,000 - and his parents have to find the money of risk losing their precious boy. Now his mum, Yvonne, 33, of Bedford Avenue, Barnet, has made a desperate plea for help to raise the cash needed to send her "little soldier" to America. "If everyone in Barnet donated a pound we'd be on the plane next week," she told The Press. Jack has to travel to New York because the antibody, which could save his life, is unavailable in the UK because it has not been trialed in Europe. Even with extensive chemotherapy only one in five children with high risk Neuroblastoma, like Jack, will survive after two years. Yvonne, a Detective Sergeant in Barnet, says she cannot believe what is happening to her "adorable" son. The mum-of-three said: "It's really unfair. I look at him and see how cheeky and adorable he is and I can't believe the pain he has been going through. "He hates going to the hospital because he knows that's where they hurt him. He clutches frantically at my sleeve, or pulls my face to his and screams 'don't let them do it, mummy, please mummy, don't let them do it'. "It's the hardest thing in the world to see your baby like that. I would cry with him because of course, I have to let the doctors work on him." Yvonne says her other two children, nine-year-old Conner and Rhian, 5, struggle to come to terms with what is happening to their brother. "Conner gets very upset whenever we have to leave Jack in hospital and when I had a cold the other day Rhian came crying to me asking if I had cancer. It's very difficult for them," Yvonne admitted. She added: "My little boy's fighting for his life and who knows, if we can get him to America, he may be the one in five that survives."