Students Raise Hundreds to Support Research into Debilitating Condition
15th May 14
Patients with Puetz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) have a mutation in a gene that suppresses tumours. As a result, they develop polyps throughout the gastrointestinal tract and need operations to remove them.
The charity was proposed by Catherine Currums, 14, who has a friend with PJS. She said: “I wanted to do something to help people with his condition.”
The year group raised funds through a variety of activities, ranging from cake and sweet sales to a sponsored spell.
There are only three hospitals in the world that have the expert doctors needed to treat PJS. St Mark’s Polyposis Registry is the oldest and one of the largest Registries in the world.
Currently, they are conducting a research on PJS in children.
Year 9 Form Tutor Julie Boden commented: “It’s great to hear that the message is getting out there and more people are becoming aware of these rare conditions. I’m very pleased that this money will help to fund vital research into PJS.”
Further donations should be sent by cheque, payable to “The St Mark’s Foundation (The Polyposis Registry)” and addressed to: The Polyposis Registry, St Mark’s Hospital, Watford Rd, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ.
