Welcome to WillowAir

Many of you now know that my middle son, Gus (13yrs), was diagnosed a few weeks ago with a rare bone cancer (Ewing’s Sarcoma).  

Only 50 children a year in the UK develop this disease and very little is known about it – so much so that Gus’s case will form part of a pan-European study to try and learn how better to spot it and treat it. Due to its rarity Gus’s bone cancer in his hip was initially mis-diagnosed and it has spread to his lungs. He can be cured, God willing, but he will need 12 months of intensive chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. 

This has been a terrible time for my family and I desperately want to help his chances, and the chances of children like him, by raising much needed money for the Skeletal Cancer Action Trust, a charity devoted to understanding and curing bone cancer. 

Many of you have asked how you can help; well this is your chance. I will be shaving my head on Good Friday - 21 March - to raise much needed money and support Gus by doubling the number of baldies at home. For those of you who know me well, I have a luxuriant bouffant of hair (think 1980s Wham) and so going bald is a huge deal for me. 

So, if you would like to see me go from Richard Gere to Bruce Willis in one go (or more realistically from Father Ted to Harry Hill!) and left with a head resembling a milky bar kid chocolate Easter Egg (topical) then please give very generously. 

All you have to do is visit www.justgiving.com/gusharding and make a donation using a credit or debit card. If you’re a UK tax payer an additional 28% can be added to the donation by the government at no extra cost to you. 

I can’t say in words how much I want to raise this money to help my son and young children like him who desperately need help. Gus, my family and I will be forever grateful for any donation you can make.    

Thanks again

Ian