The Tom Prince Cancer Trust was set up in 2004 to raise funds for research into osteosarcoma. This rare bone cancer mainly affects children and young adults and research is really underfunded.

The Trust was set up in memory of Tom – a lively and loving boy who passed away the day before his 16th birthday. Tom was a huge Pompey fan with a big heart and an even bigger smile!

Based in Portsmouth, we continuously fundraised locally for 12 years. We had our big annual Blue Day fundraiser, which turned the whole city blue as hundreds of people took part, as well as fun events through the year. From bungee jumps and marathons, to car boot sales and charity dances, there really was something for everyone!

As a small, family run charity, all our fundraising and organisation was done for free, by volunteers in their own time. Every penny donated went directly into the trust’s fund.

We were really well supported by the community and have reached our target of £1million! And in 2018 we gifted the funds to the University College London. It’s the largest single donation to osteosarcoma research in the UK which is a massive achievement for a small charity, backed by the wonderful city of Portsmouth! You can find out more about our exciting project with UCL here.

 

About Tom

Tom had a big easy grin and a laid back nature. He was funny, smart, friendly and very loving and it was a pleasure to be in his company. He was only a child when he went through his treatment, but his bravery inspired us all.

Tom was born and lived in Portsmouth. He was a keen sportsman enjoying football, softball, cricket and golf. His passion was football and as well as playing for 3 teams, he was a season ticket holder at Portsmouth Football Club. He had dreams and ambitions and lived his life to the full… always.

In February 2003 Tom was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the humerus. Tom went through several rounds of intense treatment, including chemotherapy and surgeries. In between treatment he always returned to school and lived life to the max. He amazed his family, friends and hospital staff with his ability to cope, never moaning, always hopeful and cheerful.

Unfortunately in September 2004, a brain scan confirmed tumors and sadly Tom passed away at home on the eve of his 16th birthday. Tom’s love, smile and bravery inspired us all and is greatly missed. Almost immediately after Tom passed away, his family and friends felt the need to keep his memory alive and to do something positive in his name. So we set up the Tom Prince Cancer Trust. We hope that the £1million we’ve raised together will help advance our understanding of this cancer so that other families don’t have to go through what we did.