Sixth form students in Amble were treated to an audience with Professor Sir Alan Craft on Wednesday day as he spoke about their school’s namesake, Sir James Calvert Spence, and his impact on modern day healthcare for children.

Teachers, governors and local councillors were also in attendance at the College as Sir Alan spoke about the healthcare pioneer for whom the school is named. As the former Sir James Spence Professor of Child Health at University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Prof. Craft also gave an inspiring history of his own career in paediatrics and his work with North of England Children’s Cancer Research (NECCR) – a charity intrinsically linked to Sir James Spence, who is credited with huge advances in Britain’s health and social care during the 20^th century.

The College has become increasingly involved with fund raising for NECCR since it’s involvement with the Children’s Cancer Run this year; when a conversation between the school’s science teacher Janice Bailey and run organiser Tony Gilroy revealed the links between Sir James Spence and the charity.

Ms Bailey explained, “Tony mentioned that the building where the charity is based is also named for Sir James Spence and he explained a little about the reasons why.”

“Since taking part in the run we’ve pledged to raise as much money as possible for the NECCR fund and we were delighted that Sir Alan agreed to come and speak to our students to share Sir James Spence’s story. It was an excellent opportunity for them to learn about such a remarkable man from Amble, as well as to motivate them to do everything they can for an extremely worthwhile cause.”

Executive Head Teacher at JSCS Christine Graham commented, “Many of the students didn’t even know who James Spence was, never mind the outstanding legacy he has left. Our afternoon with Sir Alan was exceptional – it’s all too easy to think that only people from big cities or affluent backgrounds have the opportunity to make a difference in the world but hearing about the work of James Spence and what his work inspired Sir Alan to go on to achieve, has left the students feeling inspired to achieve everything they set their minds to. The first of which will be their participation in the Children’s Cancer Walk which takes place at Blagdon Estate in Northumberland next week.”

The exceptional level of healthcare that children enjoy today – particularly in the northeast – can be largely attributed to the ground-breaking work carried out by Sir James Spence, who was a pioneer in social paediatrics; demonstrating the inherent link between social class and health and wellbeing and therefore preventing illness caused by factors such as poor nutrition and inactive lifestyles.

Sir Alan, who regards Sir James Spence as a personal hero, spoke about the satisfaction of seeing significant medical advances throughout his own career in paediatric oncology, which includes his roles as Consultant Paediatrician at the Royal Victoria Infirmary and National President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. He is one of the country’s leading experts in children’s health and medicine and has been a driving force behind the NECCR and it’s fund raising activities since he launched the research facility back in the 1970s.

He commented, “When I began my work in paediatric oncology mortality rates among young cancer sufferers were as high as 70-80%. Due to advances in research and drug therapy those percentages have dropped and the survival rate is now 85% on average.”

“This change can be linked to some amazing achievements throughout the scientific community, inspired by research and medical practice initiated by Sir James Spence, which is one of the many reasons why the chair of children’s health position at Newcastle’s RVI is named for him.”

The hard work undertaken at NECCR is completely subsidised by funding from various cancer research charities and the NECCR fund has contributed hugely to the facility for over 30 years. In fact, parents of patients established the NECCR fund in 1979, just after the Children’s Cancer unit opened at the RVI because whilst money was available for treatment, there was little to no funding for research.

These days the NECCR fund is supported throughout the year by events set up and run by generous supporters of the charity. Next week the second annual Children’s Cancer Walk will take place, becoming the second biggest event on the charity’s calendar after the Children’s Cancer Run.

The walk will take place on Saturday 21st September in the private grounds of the estate thanks to permission from the Viscount and Viscountess Ridley of Blagdon, and for the second year running, respected writer and friend of the charity, Bill Bryson will be attending the event which promises fantastic scenery, fun and fresh air for keen walkers from around the region.

Event organiser for NECCR, Tony Gilroy commented, “The route will cover six miles through one of the biggest private estates in the northeast, Blagdon is not normally open to the public and entry is by invitation only, so we’re very grateful to Viscount Ridley, who will be there to welcome walkers to his estate.”

The choice of venue holds historic significance to NECCR as the Ridley family has contributed hugely to children’s health throughout the twentieth century.

Bob Downer, the Chief Executive of the Blagdon Estate, explained the connection in more detail, “The current Lord Ridley’s late grandmother, Ursula was heavily involved with the Babies Hospital in Elswick where James Spence first practiced pediatrics, and they were very good friends.”

“It’s not widely known that during the Second World War the babies at the hospital were evacuated to Blagdon Hall by James Spence on invitation of the Ridley family, they were accommodated at Blagdon from 1940 to 1948.”

“We’re delighted that the Children’s Cancer Walk, which raises funds for a charity so intrinsically linked to Sir James Spence, will be held here at Blagdon and we can once again support the development of children’s healthcare.”

Tickets for the Children’s Cancer Walk are £10 and all proceeds will go to the NECCR fund, children go free but spaces are limited to 500 walkers.

Walkers will meet at 10.30am at Blagdon Hall aiming to start the six-mile route at 11am, stopping at the half-way point where refreshments will be available.

There will also be an art exhibition courtesy of students at Sir James Calvert Spence College in Amble.