Please take a few minutes to read my story below which will allow you to understand why I feel it necessary to give something back to all those wonderful people who have helped me to get well again:

I retired from the Royal Navy last year (Mar 2010) after serving 33 years service only to discover weeks later that I had 'a lump' on my neck.  After several tests some 'suspicious cells' were discovered and it was necessary to undergo surgery (Neck Dissection) at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, Somerset.  Biopsies revealed the primary tumour to be at the base of my tongue which was shocking news considering I was a fit non-smoker!  Evidently the devil is not fussy about who he kisses!

Further treatment included teeth extraction and a gastric tube (for feeding) inserted into my stomach (which caused a horrendous infection) and of course the inevitable Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy.  The therapies were conducted at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital in Devon as Musgrove Park unfortunately did not have the facility to treat my cancer.

I need not go into detail of the treatment but I can assure it was a period in my life I would not want to repeat!  That said my experience with the NHS was faultless.  Some are quick to criticise the NHS however I am full of praise for them.  The entire staff, without exception, were extremely efficient, kind and professional.  Nothing was too much trouble and the care was and continues to be excellent.  Had I used Private Health Care I do not know what more I would have received.  I also used (and continue to do so) FORCE, the local charity for cancer based in the hospital grounds at Exeter.  They are also in the same catagory of excellence; providing a haven for those in need.

I have made a 'remarkable' recovery during the past few months and I now feel up to giving something back to all those who have helped me.  So, in true traditional 'Guiver the Diver' style I am planning to run (well er..jog) the Bristol Half Marathon this September in a 'Bob The Builder' outfit!  Why as Bob you may ask? - It will get attention and awareness of my aim and besides, running in a diving suit has already been done! 

This page allows you to donate to FORCE however, all cash donations will be given to S.U.R.E.  SURE raise funds to purchase specific items of equipment which they donate to the Beacon Centre at Musgrove Park.  The ultimate aim is to be able to treat Head & Neck cancer patients at Taunton; saving journeys to Bristol or Exeter like I had to undergo!

 

Finally, I would like to thank you all for your well wishes and kind words.  The support from old colleagues, friends and family has been overwhelming and has been a key element to keeping me going through some fairly harsh times – THANK YOU! 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

It’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.  So please dig deep and donate now.

Thank you so much!

Paul (alias Bob)

 "Cancer is a word, not a sentence!"