Sponsored SOLO SKYDIVE 16th May 2009 at Strathallan Airfield, Perthshire, Scotland.

In aid of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

This page is dedicated to my wonderful mother, Viktoria Hoggan, who was sadly taken from us on the 17th November 2008, at the age of 56. She was diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell lung cancer in mid April 2008. Unfortunately, as with nearly all cases of lung cancer it was not discovered in time to cure or control the disease.

The cancer had spread from her chest wall to her lung and from there to her lower spine and brain stem. 

We tried everything the doctors suggested to try to fight off the symptoms as long as possible. Chemotherapy, a combination of several prescription drugs, radiotherapy, but it just wasn't enough.

As the cancer had already spread to the brain stem before it was discovered there was nothing the doctors could do to prevent the disease taking over and unfortunately, just seven months after diagnosis, the cancer won. Had it been caught earlier more could have been done to help beat the cancer or at the very least control the symptoms, allowing my mum to live longer with a better quality of life.

It's very difficult to treat cancer of the brain/brain stem due to its sensitive nature and there is currently no screening in progress to assist with the early detection of lung cancer. Therefore more research is required to prevent other families going through the same pain as we have.

My mum was an amazing woman and everyone who met her loved her. She was happily married to my father, David, for 36 years and doted on their six grandchildren.

I don't know what we will do without her.

She had never been seriously ill before and this illness came as a massive shock to the whole family.

Never assume it won't happen to you or your family. I thought the same until April 2008 when my world shattered and I wished there was more could be done to help. Now all I can do is try to help prevent other families going through the same pain.

That's why I'm asking you to give generously to support research into lung cancer. Its causes, preventions, early detection, treatment and patient care. Any one of us may need to battle this horrible disease one day. Lets just hope by giving generously now there may be a better outcome for us in the future.

Thank you for your support.