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Cancer – what can I say?

My exposure to Cancer started at the age of 14, when my Dad
became ill and eventually being diagnosed with spinal and brain cancer.  Dad underwent two operations, the first in London when my sister and I were left in the house while Mum and Dad were in London – fun and games!  The second when I was completing A Levels.  Throughout my A levels I was helping with the care of my Dad, and when I could drive popping home at lunch times. 

We had a lot of laughs, when I had my tonsils removed, Dad
and I were left to recover in the house together, I couldn’t speak, but dad could, Dad was wheelchair bound, but I could walk.  Between us we could manage!  I was his body guard when we went out and
about, as he was very unsteady on his feet before coming wheelchair bound. I needed L plates on the wheel chair, and getting out the house in a wheelchair was difficult.  Mainly due to the steps into the house, Dad wouldn’t let a ramp be fitted to the outside of the front
of the house, as we had a block paved drive, and fitting of a ramp would mean drilling into the drive!  (For those who knew my Dad would know this just wasn't an option!)  The ramp was fitted to the back of the house!

I followed in my father’s footsteps and started a Mechanical
Engineering Degree at Northumbria University (staying local) to spend time with my Dad.  In the second year of my degree, Dad had a second episode of blood poisoning.  I can remember going into CAD lesson but just wanted to go to the hospital – which I did and the next day on the 17^th December 1997 my Dad lost his fight against this disease and at the age of 19 I lost one of my parents.

More recently my Aunty was diagnosed with having breast cancer, underwent surgery and chemotherapy.  During that time my uncle asked how best to prepare for the treatment and was informed to learn to operate the washing machine and hoover.  To watch someone
have ‘treatment’ and make them so poorly, highlights how aggressive cancer can be.  I am glad to report that my Aunty is doing well, and out lambing the year of her treatment.

Without mentioning friends, and friends parents that have battled cancer.  It changes lives, and changes lives of those around anyone diagnosed with cancer.

I received a text saying that the Wobbleberry challenge would be a great challenge for me now that I’m middle aged!  It’s 19 years since Dad died, 4 years ago my Aunty had her treatment and 2016 was also the year I got married.  People say time heals; you never heal from the loss of a parent, but you learn to deal with day to day life.

This comes as a personal challenge following an accident in
March 2016 and being unable to ride for seven months.  2016 has been a milestone in my life and enables me to raise much needed funds for the Ride for Hannah.  The challenge was inspired by Hannah, and if I can find 1% of her courage I’ll achieve this. The final event is to complete a British Eventing 80 (Dressage, Showjumping and cross country) by the end of 2017 season.  This, to me when I was in my 20’s, would be a breeze but now, fear has been instilled into me.  This will however give me the motivation and drive to get out there with Sandy (aka Mandy) and #Kickcancersbutt and complete the challenge.

If you can spare anything towards my challenge and sponsor
me I would be grateful.  Nationally we aim to raise £50,000 for Willberry’s Wonder Pony, where the charity has Willberry’s Wishes & Research (www.willberrywonderpony.org)

Cancer treatment has moved on so much in 19 years and needs to move on so much more to kickcancersbutt.  Please help x