Emily's Story

Emily was 20 years of age when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left femur. She was in the second year of teacher training at university. Emily loved children and her dream was to become a primary school teacher, she worked hard and managed a part time job as well as her studies. She was devastated that the illness meant she had to put her studies and training on hold.

James and Emily’s many friends were an important part of her life and they proved to be an invaluable support to her during her illness. Another important part of Emily’s life were her pets. Tom, Louis, Marvin and latterly the gorgeous kitten, Toby, brought her such joy and pleasure and helped her through some of the dark times of her illness.

The cancer had spread to Emily’s lungs and other bones in her body before she was diagnosed. She underwent a gruelling treatment regime of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, which meant extensive periods in hospital and resulted in awful side effects.

But our Emily was always positive. She never questioned why this had happened to her and never gave up hope. She was so brave and always thought of others before herself.

Emily continued with her studies in-between treatments and gained a First Class Honours Degree in Primary Education.

Emily had a lovely graduation ceremony at home on the 9th December 2015, a week before she died at home on the 16th December 2015 (nearly 2 years after her initial diagnosis).

What we have done in Emily's memory

We want to raise money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust in the hope that we can contribute to finding a cure for this awful disease, increase awareness so that other people get an earlier diagnosis, to improve outcomes and improve treatments which have not changed for many years.

In January 2017, just over a year after Emily died and just before her 24th birthday we held an afternoon tea for 175 family and friends to celebrate Emily’s life and raised over £5,200. The afternoon was an amazing event and since then we've held another afternoon tea and two cinema nights as well.

Numerous people have raised money in Emily’s memory. The school where Emily was Head Girl, and later completed placements as part of her teacher training, have held lots of fundraising events. Cake sales, discos, raffles, sale of valentine roses to name but a few. Rolls Royce have also held a charity football tournament, Christmas raffle and Christmas jumper competition. Friends and family have walked, run and cycled many miles. Other people we don’t even know have contributed and supported us in Emily’s memory.

Supporting The Emily Barker Tribute Fund

We would like to thank everyone for their continued support of Emily's Fund. It helps us to know that Emily is fondly remembered and people want to contribute to make a difference.

We know Emily would be proud of what has been raised so far, proof of what can be done with a ‘team effort’. We value any contribution or support you can give to help make a difference.

“We appreciate you taking the time to read Emily's story and greatly value any contribution or support you can give, however large or small, as together we can make a difference.”

Janet and Steve

News

Join our first ever #TeamBonesTrek and let's trek together, until there's a cure!
​New research aiming to make immunotherapy an effective treatment option for osteosarcoma patients

Research

Preventing the Growth and Spread of Osteosarcoma
Development of a targeted methotrexate prodrug with enhanced therapeutic index for osteosarcoma
ICONIC – Improving Outcomes through Collaboration In Osteosarcoma

Fundraising Pages

Text BCRT EMILY TO 70800 to give £5

You can make a donation or pay in funds raised by cheque, payable to Bone Cancer Research Trust, to:

Bone Cancer Research Trust, 10 Feast Field, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4TJ.

Please ensure you make it clear that the donation is for The Emily Barker Tribute Fund so that your donation is allocated to the correct fund.

100% of donations to The Emily Barker Tribute Fund will go towards our vital work.