HELP FOR FAMILY
Police Legacy and Castle Hill police are behind a major fundraiser to help a Hills family hit by two cancer diagnosis.
Detective Sergeant Mick Allen, Investigations Manager at Castle Hill Police Area Command was diagnosed with the blood cancer Multiple Myeloma IN 2015 after several unexplained broken bones.
In May last year he and his wife Jen’s youngest son, Liam was diagnosed with Stage 3 Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma a week after his 14th birthday.
Dt Sgt Allen has over 25 service in the NSW police Jen left her job of 11 years to car for both Liam and Mick but also the couple’s older sons Angus and Kyle.
Former Hills Commander, Superintendent Rob Critchlow who is helping with the event said the family had been facing some tough diagnoses.
“Multiple Myeloma has an average life expectance of 4 years and through pure stubbornness and determination he withstood surgery, chemo and radiation in preparation for an autologous (his own cells) bone marrow transplant and what would ultimately mean ongoing treatment to keep him alive with this incurable cancer.
“All the while he kept turning up to work, even when I tried to make him stay at home to rest.” Mick Allen has served in NSW police for over 25 years and has also worked in counter terrorism. Liam’s spleen, adrenal gland and part of his stomach have been removed; he has undergone chemotherapy and is now doing well.
Supt Critchlow said the financial cost to the family had been staggering.
“Jen has now become a full time carer for both Mick and Liam. The emotional, physical and financial strain on this family, every member, is tremendous.”
The fundraising dinner is at Castle Hill RSL on Saturday March 7, starting at 6pm. Tickets are $150 which includes dinner, beer, wine and soft drinks.
For details email [email protected] or call Michaela Natter on 0499 788 832. Donations can be made at BSB 012 491 acct: 473 664 288
