As some of you already know, this time last year I was taken ill

What I first thought to be a common bug ended up being a debilitating form of septicaemia (caused by the bacteria staphylococcus) and pneumonia and following a stint in intensive care, I was given various antibiotics to fight off the infection.

However, various forms of antibiotics had a negative effect on my immune system and caused me to become neutropinic which again made me very Ill.  As my immune system was almost non existent, I was more susceptible to further illness and, although being paced in an isolated care room, I contracted glandular fever. 

Just when I though I was through the worst, I was told that it could be something more 'sinister' (cancer of the lymph nodes), this time was especially difficult for me and all family and friends. I cannot describe how it felt having to tell my family this news......Thankfully, following a 9 week stay in hospital, which I was in serve pain and not being able to use my legs for more than 2 weeks, I am now feeling much better. 

I am very thankful for all of the support that me and my family received during this period and will be using the determination I needed to get through the illness to help raise money so that more people can beat serious diseases and infections.

I am now lucky enough to have a beautiful little girl and would hate it if anything were to happen to her! So I am doing this for all the brave children out the battling this disease! Stay strong!