Funding cancer research

496. Steve Carrick
497. Arlene Carrick

In 2010 Steve and Arlene’s son Josh was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He was just 22 years old and about to attend the induction day for his dream job at IBM. After graduating with a degree in computer science Josh was looking forward to a bright future but unfortunately the cancer took his life just twelve months later. His family and friends were devastated at the loss of such a bright and brilliant man and wanted to do something to honour his memory. In 2012 they applied to become a registered charity and set up the Josh Carrick Foundation.

Steve and Arlene felt there was a lack of research and exposure for the cancer. Along with their son Dominic; Josh’s girlfriend; and nine fellow graduates and friends from the University of Nottingham they set up the charity with the aim of becoming one of the leading contributors to testicular cancer research in the UK. Underpinning this ambition was an extraordinary group of people united in the common purpose of alleviating the suffering which testicular cancer inflicts. In partnership with Cancer Research UK, IBM and the University of Nottingham they have become a significant force in the fight against cancer.

So that Josh’s memory could continue to inspire, IBM provided a £100 prize for the top-performing first year student in the School of Computer Science at the University, plus a visit to its UK innovation labs for the top five students. For Josh’s family and friends, the fact that Josh’s energy continues to live through the work of other students gives them comfort that his memory and legacy will never be forgotten.

The charity has directly supported two projects at the forefront of tackling testicular cancer by providing regular, annual funding. To date they have raised over £300,000 and they are now on the lookout for a third project to support.

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“Steve and Arlene have shown tremendous strength in creating the Josh Carrick Foundation in memory of their son to fund research into testicular cancer. Together with their son Dominic, they have worked tirelessly to tackle this disease and try to prevent more families from losing the men they love. I am very pleased to be able to recognise Steve and Arlene as the UK’s 496th and 497th Points of Light.”

Steve said:

“We are honoured to receive this award and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the rest of the trustees and all our supporters who have helped us achieve so much in such a short time.”

Arlene said:

“We are very humbled to have been chosen to receive this award but our achievements to date would not have been possible without the commitment of our fellow trustees, and the hard work and generosity of all our supporters and fundraisers. I think Josh would be proud of the good work being done in his name.”