John and I are supporting this Stride for Cancer campaign in memory of Ashley Richards, the only child of long standing dear friends, Ena and the late Dicky Richards of Dunsfold. 

Early diagnosis of all cancer is of paramount importance and a specialist cancer care centre at the Royal Surrey will help future patients.

Tragically, Ashley died earlier this year of an aggressive sarcoma at the young age of 43.  His symptoms began in August 2021 but his cancer was not diagnosed until late December 2021 and he passed away in early July this year, despite remaining positive throughout and bravely embracing treatment and the immunotherapy trial offered to him.  He was an exceptionally lovely young man in every way and the wonderful qualities he demonstrated to all he met in life - friendship, kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity and intelligence to name but a few - will now be limited to memories alone.

The photo was taken on 5th June this year, his mother Ena's birthday, which coincided with the Dunsfold Jubilee Day celebrations.  As always Ashley made a great effort, despite considerable pain, and arranged for a kind friend to bring him from Brighton to be with her at the "Royal Table" of friends and neighbours and make her 80th birthday very special.  Sadly, two days later he was permanently hospitalised in London and passed away at the beginning of July. 

Ashley always remained remarkably positive and the depth of love and extent of support shown throughout his illness by his many dear friends from far and wide was overwhelming. It is wonderful that this continues to be evidenced by their ongoing personal contact with Ena.

For us, the specialist cancer care centre at the Royal Surrey will be of particular significance as Ashley's passing has increased our awareness of the many people, so often far too young, whose lives have been dramatically shortened by this devastating illness and the effect this has on their friends and families.  Had such a provision been available to Ashley, he may have had a future where he could continue to support his mother and fulfil his dream to have children of his own.

Such a great loss but his memory lives on.  "To live in the hearts of others is not to die".