Liverpool has come out in force to support Student Doctor Alex Warwick who was devastatingly diagnosed with a rare and aggressive grade-4 brain tumour last year. His family and friends are now on a mission to secure cutting-edge immunotherapy abroad and, thanks to the incredible generosity of friends, colleagues and local well-wishers, they are now more than halfway to reaching their goal.
Originally from North London, Alex is part way through the MBChB course at Liverpool School of Medicine and completed an intercalated MRes Clinical Sciences at the University of Liverpool last year, graduating with a Distinction in December.
Last May, he suddenly became unwell and required emergency brain surgery. He was then diagnosed with a very rare high-grade glioma. Alex has responded well to surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, tragically, he is soon to reach the end of treatment options currently available on the NHS.
Following medical guidance, his family are looking to seek private treatment, specifically immunotherapy in Germany, which has achieved promising results, activating the body's own immune defences against the tumour and is generally very well tolerated with few side effects.
(L-R) Alex’s Dad Ian, Alex's girlfriend and fellow student doctor Rachel Currie, Alex, Alex's friend and student doctor Harry Furlong and Alex’s Mum Indira.
Alex’s friends and fellow medical students have been absolutely amazing, supporting Alex and his family and helping raise thousands for the cause. Liverpool Medical Students Society (LMSS) donated all of the proceeds from their Welcome Back party in January to the campaign and there are student sponsored walks, fun runs and pub quizzes in the works.
Liverpool Alumni have been quick to step up, not to mention our local NHS network and well-wishers from Alex’s adoptive city and beyond. News of the fundraiser is spreading wide and fast, helped by social media and features in the local press. A dedicated Instagram account fight4alexuk is documenting the progress of the campaign, in collaboration with Braintrust, and has messages of support from the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Alex said, “I love Liverpool. The fact I had The Walton Centre and Clatterbridge Cancer Centre on my doorstep was amazing, both of them are part of my medical course as well. It was always important for me to stay in Liverpool, this is where my life is. I always sing the praises of this city to my friends from elsewhere. Everyone here is so friendly and helpful."
We wish Alex every success in reaching this goal and securing the life-changing treatment. With huge thanks to everyone who has contributed so far, helping Alex reach 65% of the target. Please contribute if you can, via the JustGiving campaign.
Alex and Rachel at his MRes graduation in December