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Mark & I met 7 years ago, on a plane of all places. We instantly had a connection and developed a strong friendship within a few weeks. During this time I told him about my 40th birthday party in which I was raising money for two charities, close to my heart; one of which was a cancer based charity. Mark shared a keen interest to donate, having previously had Hodgkins Disease at 23, from which he was cured.

From this grew a relationship neither of us had felt before, we fell in love and moved in together some years later. Mark and I shared some wonderful memories together as well as some hard times, nevertheless, we always came through smiling and stronger.

Little did we know though, the worst was yet to come. Then in November 2013, Mark's life was once again turned upside down, when he was diagnosed for the second time with cancer. However, this was not just any cancer, Mark's cancer started out in the kidney, and by the time we found out it had already spread to his lungs and heart, making his cancer terminal. 

Although, he tried a round of chemotherapy, we always knew this disease was incurable. We just hoped for more time and some quality of life together. However, after we found out the chemotherapy hadn't helped in February 2014, Mark always remained positive, as did I, and we were determined to do what we'd set out to do, and enjoy the time we had left together with our families.

Towards the end of February Mark's pain had become unmanageable at home, as he was now immune to some of the pain medication he was prescribed. This involved another trip to Northampton General Hospital, and from there he was transferred to Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton. For the next 12 days this become the home for us, our family and close friends. Who we couldn't thank them enough for the amount of care, support and compassion they have provided throughout this journey. Cynthia Spencer is like a home from home, they provide a warm, caring and supportive environment for everyone who is affected by this tragic disease, as well as taking care of Mark in his last few weeks. 

Sadly, during his time at Cynthia Spencer, Mark took a turn for the worst and developed pneumonia. The next few days proved quite shocking, how fast Mark appeared to deteriorate after hearing the news of his pneumonia. This was an extremely intense and painful time for all the family, but the support we received from the staff, still holds a special place in all our hearts. Words can not described how wonderful they have been and how grateful we will forever remain. 

March 25th 2014, Mark passed away peaceful, surrounded by his close family. 

Still to this day myself and our families have never forgotten what the hospice has done for us and continues to do even after Mark's passing. So to thank them we turned his 50th birthday party, he'd spent a year planning, into a fundraiser for the hospice. In which we have raised over £4,500.

Mark and I had a bucket list, in which we agreed that if he walked the Great Wall of China with me, I would go to Australia with him and watch the Ashes. So when I discovered the fundraising events the hospice had set up, I knew instantly that this was fate and I had to take on the challenge. 

So I am asking you, to help me make this dream a reality, in memory of Mark and to help others like him who have been unfortunate to develop this dreadful disease that takes so many lives each year. This disease does not only affect the person involved, but their entire circle of family and friends, long after they have lost their fight. Please donate anything you can so that we can help those who have helped me and our families through such a traumatic experience. Their care is so important to the patients and families that even the smallest amount makes such a difference. 

Mark showed very few symptoms, it was only until a month before we found out he had cancer that his symptoms began to show. It is so important that if you notice a change in behaviour, appetite, loss of weight, sleeping patterns, back ache, night sweats, blackouts/flashes, dark urine or blood in your urine. Anything you suspect to be out of the ordinary, please make sure you see a doctor immediately and be persistent. Catching cancer early could mean preventing it from spreading and saving lives. However, sadly by the time most of these symptoms presented themselves in Mark the cancer had already spread to an uncontrollable level. Donating money provides quality of care to those affected by cancer.

None of us ever believed that this could happen to us, you hear about but you never think that could be you. Well this happened to Mark, and it affected everyone around him. THE REALITY IS.. IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU TOO!!

Thank You

Elaine xx

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