Footballer visits childhood cancer research project

Manchester City and England footballer James Milner visited laboratories at The University of Manchester during February to present a £25,000 cheque for a life-saving research study into childhood leukaemia.

Survival rates for the most common form of childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, are now over 90%, but those children who relapse after treatment have a poor outlook. 

The project, funded by blood cancer charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, is developing testing to identify those children who are likely to be resistant to chemotherapy. The scientists are also looking for alternative ways to treat these patients. 

The James Milner Foundation raises funds and awareness for national charities including blood cancer charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, the NSPCC and Help For Heroes, as well as regional initiatives.

The midfielder toured the laboratory, which is part of The University of Manchester’s Institute of Cancer Sciences, and spoke to Professor Vaskar Saha, who is leading the project. 

Professor Saha, who is also part of Manchester Cancer Research Centre, said: “Sadly many children still do not survive leukaemia and resistance to treatment is a particular problem for some children. We’re really grateful to the James Milner Foundation for its support for our work. It was great to be able to show James how the money is helping children with leukaemia.” 

James Milner said: “I am delighted to be presenting a cheque on behalf of the Foundation to help support Professor Saha in his important research into aiding the identification of children resistant to chemotherapy and alternative treatments. The James Milner Foundation is pleased to support Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, who make such a difference to so many people’s lives.”

Catriona Tait, Regional Manager at Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, said: “We are absolutely delighted and extremely grateful for the generous donation of £25,000 from the James Milner Foundation towards Professor Saha’s work. It was fantastic to see the donation being presented to Professor Saha and team and to hear how the donation will be used towards such valuable work.”