Joe Longthorne received a MBE on 13th December 2012 by HRH the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace for his extensive services to charity.

With that in mind and having raised a colossal sum of money for charity over the years Joe thought it would be a great idea to set up a foundation in his name. This would raise funds for the charities he not only supports but which are very close to his heart, The Anthony Nolan Trust, Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and DCWC Nepal (of which Joe is the Patron) to name but a few.

On a personal note many of you will remember the help and support Joe received with his battle with cancer a few years ago, resulting in finding a match for the bone marrow transplant needed to save his life.

Now Joe is battling against cancer for the second time and he’s determined to once again fight back against this life threatening disease, he commented “I would like to say to my fans at this time to think of my charities and give their support if they can. After receiving the MBE in 2012 I have given much more time and attention to helping others and I would like to ask my fans to do this too and they will be helping me on the way”.

You the fans, friends as Joe likes to refer to you all, and in fact anyone can help raise money in many different ways, coffee mornings, sponsored walks, runs, fetes, car boot sales there are so many to choose from.

Two of Joe’s fans Lyn and Ian have started the ball rolling; they took up the challenge of climbing the 02 Arena in London on Saturday 7th June 2014. This is a monitored event and the climbers traverse the dome along a suspended walkway that’s 52m high and 380m long including the journey back down. Remember, climbing expeditions need a little preparation, the term ‘challenge ‘means just that, they are both terrified of heights but were determined to do this for the benefit of Cancer Research UK.

Ian said "The climb was very challenging and it's not until you actually do it that you realise how physically demanding it is. I would like to thank everybody who sponsored me and the funds raised will be donated to Cancer Research UK through the Joe Longthorne Foundation. We have raised just over £600 I am thrilled”. Ian is now looking for his next challenge (when he has recovered from this one!) Lyn said “I am amazed at the support we have had from everyone. It was a great day, for a great charity as you all know Joe has another mountain to climb himself in the coming weeks, but I'm sure he will conquer this rotten illness once again and with the help of people giving so lovingly to this charity, we will in time rid the world of cancer ... Many thanks for all your support”.

As a special footnote Joe would like to share this photo, here he is proving he has a great head for heights at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge a few years ago.