Class of 07 are raising £150,000 to help fund a vaccine which gives hope of a longer life for Luke

Former students are coming joining forces and raising funds for their fellow graduate Luke Johnston, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Alumnus Toby Margretts tells the story here in his own words.

“In March 2023, University of Gloucestershire graduate Luke Johnston (class of ‘07’) received the devastating diagnosis of an incurable stage four glioblastoma. Luke is just 35 years old and only last summer was celebrating marrying the love of his life, Niamh, surrounded by his nearest and dearest at his wedding in Northern Ireland.

“The prognosis is bleak: the average glioblastoma survival time is 12-18 months – only 25% of patients survive more than one year, and only 5% of patients survive more than five years. But there is some hope. We have recently learned about a ground-breaking new treatment called DCVAX-L – a personalised cancer vaccine made from the patient’s own dendritic cells, which helps the immune system recognise and attack tumour cells. However, the treatment is expensive, costing between £150,000-£250,000, and not currently available on the NHS.

“We hope this vaccine becomes accessible for Luke and if it does, we pray that it can extend his time with us. If the vaccine doesn’t become an option then the funds will be used to help Luke and his wife maximise the time they have left together.

“Some of Luke’s closest friendships in life were forged whilst studying advertising at University of Gloucestershire. Despite now living in all four corners of the country (and some even further afield than that) those friendships remain stronger than ever. Bound by nights out in Cheltenham, nights in, in the library on Pittville Campus and days spent playing in the snow on Cleeve Hill, Luke’s university friends are determined to do everything they can to help raise funds for the experimental treatment. It is worth noting that they have vetoed Luke’s initial idea of lumping £100 on a 1500/1 shot at Cheltenham Festival next March, however. You can take the boy out of Cheltenham…

“Perhaps the flagship event will be a 200-mile punishing walk from Exeter, Luke’s home city, to Wembley stadium over eight days. This ‘March to the Arch’ is not just a walk; it’s a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of friendship and community. With every step, the walkers will be raising awareness and funds for this ground-breaking treatment, giving Luke and other cancer patients like him a chance to fight this disease and live a full and happy life.

“Any donation you can make to the cause will be appreciated beyond measure. Thank you for taking the time to read Luke’s story.”

You can find out more about Luke, and the fundraising, here.