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Walking tall for Borehamwood 'gentle giant' who died of cancer at 27
Tenth anniversary event will add to £500k raised for immunotherapy research in memory of Sam Keen, 'the kindest man I ever knew'
October 22, 2021 12:11
Tenth anniversary event will add to £500k raised for immunotherapy research in memory of Sam Keen, 'the kindest man I ever knew'
October 22, 2021 12:11Ten years ago, Sam Keen died of skin cancer at the age of 27, having been diagnosed as a student.
Since then, the family of the Borehamwood man has raised more than £500,000 for a foundation set up in his memory to fund research into immunotherapy at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, where Mr Keen was treated.
Marking the anniversary, supporters hope to bring in a further £10,000 from “walking, skipping and scooting” 10km around three local parks next month.
Mr Keen underwent 20 operations to remove tumours, plus treatments including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
He married Ali, now 38, seven weeks before his death.
“He really was loved and he touched the lives of other people,” his widow told the JC. “I see my daughter in him. She’s got the biggest heart. He was the kindest person that I ever knew.
“He would put everyone else first, even if he wasn’t feeling well.”
Beyond the importance of the cause, people were supporting the November event “because it’s in his name”.
She added that “Sam would be so proud of his family, all his nieces and nephews but especially his daughter [Sadie] who are raising money in his name for such an amazing cause”.
Mr Keen’s sister, Rebecca Fox, 38, was by his side when he was told his immunotherapy treatment was no longer effective. The Royal Marsden team was now analysing “why that didn’t work for Sam and why it will work for other people — and they’ve had ground-breaking research”.
Paying tribute to her brother, she remembered him as “a gentle giant” who “brought such great joy” to others.
Mr Keen’s father, Peter, 67, added that the generosity of foundation supporters had been “astounding”.
It had continued “because of the hundreds of friends and acquaintances who have given freely of their time and effort to keep on coming up with ideas for raising funds”.
Details of the fundraiser from www.eventbrite.com/e/skf-10k-for-10-years-tickets-182488998507