Family raise £11,000 for University research
Published: 27 March 2014
The family of a well-known member of University of Glasgow staff, who died of bone marrow cancer eighteen months ago, have raised more than £11,000 for charity in his memory.
The family of a well-known member of University of Glasgow staff, who died of bone marrow cancer eighteen months ago, have raised more than £11,000 for charity in his memory.
They have announced that they will be gifting the funds to University research scientists who are working on that form of cancer, known as multiple myeloma.
Jack Smart was an accountant in the University’s Finance Office. A keen sportsman, he also took a particular interest in the Glasgow University Sports Association (GUSA). He acted as the Honorary Treasurer for 16 years, transforming its finances. Founded in 1881, the Association is one of the oldest student bodies on campus. It helps run sport and recreation opportunities for students and is the representative body for student sport at the University.
Julie Ommer, Director of Sport and Recreation Services said “As a member of staff supporting a student body you couldn't ask for a better person. Jack's approach was spot on - his ethos was very much about empowering the students.”
Jack’s wife, Anne Smart said: “Jack had always been very active taking part in running events and marathons, however sadly, in September 2012, he began struggling with his fitness and shortly afterwards he was diagnosed with myeloma. Shortly after the diagnosis Jack lost his battle to cancer”.
“We miss Jack every day but we hope that by making this donation, and supporting research into myeloma, families affected by this cancer in future will stand a fighting chance of seeing their loved ones cured”. Anne Smart
At Jack’s Thanksgiving Service held in the University Chapel a collection was taken and afterwards a decision was made by the family to participate in the Great Scottish Half Marathon in October 2013. As well as directing the funds to research into myeloma, Jack’s family are keen to raise the profile of this incurable cancer so that more people are aware of its aggressive nature and join the fight to find a cure.
The family have decided that the funds raised in memory of Jack will be directed to the work of Carl Goodyear, a Senior Lecturer in Immunology at the University. Carl said "Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer affecting a particular type of white blood cell, the "plasma cell". Normally, these cells produce all of the antibodies a person requires for protection from infectious disease. However, in myeloma these cells become cancerous and invade the bone marrow, which provides a safe haven for the cancer cells and gives them the ability to resist chemotherapy treatment." The research in the Goodyear laboratory is aimed at understanding this marrow environment and discovering ways to change the environment from supportive to unsupportive for the myeloma cancer cells. By understanding the complex relationship between the various cells involved, and the environment they reside in, there is hope of furthering the treatment of myeloma. The money raised by the Smart family and their friends will enable Carl and his team to use primary clinical samples from myeloma patients to examine in depth these cellular and environmental interactions. They hope this will generate the necessary insight into the disease process so that new therapies can be developed to assist in ultimately eradicating multiple myeloma and its associated conditions.
If you would like more information or are interested in contributing to the fundraising effort then please contact Kirsty Craig in the Development and Alumni Office kirsty.craig@glasgow.ac.uk.
First published: 27 March 2014
<< March