I have experienced cancer and since being 13 years post treatment even after being told I had only about 6 months, I like to think I have a better insight on the darker shades of life than most.

One positive I have taken from my fight with cancer is that we need to be grateful for each day we have and live it the best way we can. We need to remember there are many children and adults out there that are not as fortunate and they need help. Moreover they are right here on our doorstep.

I joined Kingston Rotary over four years ago and it is the warmest, friendliest and most caring and loving group of friends I have ever met. We are all like minded in our pursuit of serving others before ourselves and one Rotarian said to me recently when he was asked "What is Rotary?", he said "It is the best decision I ever made". It's true, it is.

I want to be able to support my local community more so than general charities because this is my home and I always want to strive to do better for those I see around me and my family.

To me, like most people, time is precious but what I have I give to the Rotary Club of Kingston upon Thames to help the charities in the local community that we support.

So this November I have been nurturing my very manly moustache with beard (this year although I am currently undecided about that) and cannot wait to shave it off on the 1st December 2017.

I ask you to share in my embarrassment by supporting me with a donation of any amount, as it all helps, believe you me.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.