News: Rotherham company comes to the aid of inspirational teenager

Workers and managers at one of Rotherham’s top companies have pledged support for a teenager battling a rare form of cancer who is ploughing ahead with his studies. Daniel Barnett is just 17, but he needs not just chemotherapy for Ewing’s Sarcoma, primarily a rare form of bone cancer, but also life-saving kidney dialysis three times a week. He will also soon need a kidney transplant. He is still working towards four A-levels at Thomas Rotherham College and aiming at university – having gained nine A*-C GCSE’s at Clifton Comprehensive last year. Toyoda Gosei UK, the Japanese car-components manufacturer, will hold a special fund-raising Sunday fun day for its 800 employees and their families to help raise £15,000 to buy a specially-equipped, sterile, cabin for Daniel's home. The company has promised to double whatever the event raises and family friend, Sharon Williamson, a supervisor at the Templeborough factory, and had no trouble persuading the company to hold the event there, on Sunday September 21. TGUK’s vice-president, Chris Cooley, said: "This is a simple way for our people to demonstrate their support for good causes, and they don’t come much better than Daniel’s. He’s an inspiring young man in his positive approach to life. Many other local businesses feel the same, as they have contributed prizes." Rotherham Rugby Club hosted a "Stars in your Eyes" fund-raising event last Saturday.
Toyoda Gosei website
Teenage Cancer Trust website

The Star article
Rotherham