Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page to raise funds for The Christie in Andy’s name.

Just over 2 years ago Andy’s life was nigh on perfect. His family was complete, work was great – I mean he could even cycle to work - living the dream! He was a very fit, active cyclist, a man to whom his family meant everything. After a couple of weeks of discomfort in his back, but still riding to work, he reluctantly agreed to go the doctors. A sneeze sent electric shocks down Andy’s legs and over the course of the following 5 days he lost the use of his legs. Cancer does not discriminate.

On 27 November 2015 Andy was rushed to hospital. A scan revealed a tumour strangling his spinal cord; surgery and a subsequent biopsy revealed the tumour was Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma – a blood cancer.

Throughout multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, learning to walk again and a stem cell transplant – which was particularly tough - Andy never lost his sense of humour.

Being negative just wasn’t on his radar and damn those who were! Used to training on his bike, he applied the same mentality to his recovery. Despite the subject matter, Andy kept us entertained and inspired with his now infamous witty facebook updates. Even when he was told his condition was terminal he was determined to make the most of what time he had left, and in his final few days was still making us laugh with his put-downs and sharp wit. 

He was an amazing man who carried himself through this roller coaster with unbelievable dignity and grace. Even in his poorliest of moments his sense of humour and sharp mind shone through. 

Very, very sadly Andy lost his battle on 27 December 2017, aged just 46, leaving behind his amazing kids, Izzy and Louie, of whom he was so very proud, and his wife Lou. He has taught us all many lessons in life - not least how he conducted himself, never bitter, always wanting to squeeze the last bit of enjoyment.

He was funny, so very funny; he wore his heart on his sleeve and was proud to. He was generous and very giving and not just in a material way. His work ethic was exemplary (he only stopped working 2 weeks before he died) something he has talked to his children about - work hard, but play hard (but only after your work is done!) He was never one to follow the crowd - a strength we have always had the upmost admiration for. But most of all, he was a lovely, lovely man.

Living without him is a continued challenge but we will all do our absolute best to make him so very proud.

#teamclague is all his fault! It evolved, as these things usually do, in a pub. What started as a few of us doing a run in his name snowballed, and we now have 35 runners taking part in the Simply Health Great Manchester Run on 20 May 2018. Most are running the 10km but we have 4 runners in the Half Marathon, two of whom are running both distances. On the same day!

Our team is made up of family and friends and in the main are non-runners. What is perhaps most touching is the journey they have all undertaken to get fit enough to complete the challenge. They have shocked us on so many levels and the drive and motivation to do something completely out of their comfort zone for Andy, and because of Andy, brings a tear to the eye. He has changed people and the bond that has grown from the camaraderie between us is unfathomable.

May 20th will be beautiful and emotional and we know there will be many a tear shed, but we will also be smiling showing Andy what a special and unique human being he was.

Please donate what you can and thank you very much. If you can't donate in £ please consider registering for stem cell donation or giving blood, both of which Andy needed and received. 

Lou & Lisa

www.dkms.org.uk

www.blood.co.uk

Andy Clague 15 June 1971 - 27 December 2017

#teamclague #tooyoung

The Christie provide services for patients and their families above and beyond the NHS, and crucially fund research to try and find a cure for this horrible disease. Let’s help find a cure!

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