In March 2019 I sat with my lovely wife, Veronica in the
endoscopy clinic to hear the awful news that she had advanced oesophageal (or gullet) cancer.  I had no idea what this actually was at that time, nor that my family and I would be faced with the devastation of her loss within 8 short months!  Just a year before she had seemed so fit and well, fresh from a Mediterranean holiday!

Veronica showed great fortitude and courage in her fight against this deadly cancer which caused major choking bouts, and sapped all her energy and strength.  My wife received superb care from her consultants and the numerous nurses supporting her through the several scans, chemotherapy clinics and blood transfusions. However, it was all to no avail and Veronica sadly passed away overnight on the 8^th November, 2019.  It was clear that treatment had begun much too late, as is generally the case with this form of cancer. Survival rates are so low because the warning signs are not sufficiently recognized and picked up earlier.

As I look at our medical cupboard in the kitchen,  I could kick myself now! There are still several boxes of indigestion tablets waiting to be opened - quick remedies that Veronica had been taking for years without another thought!  Why did no one warn us?   These prolonged bouts of heartburn and acid reflux could be the early symptoms of cancer. She ought to have got herself checked out! 

I only found out about HCUK Heartburn Cancer UK and their splendid work a fortnight ago, but I now wish to raise funds for them and campaign on their behalf in Veronica’s memory and all she stood for both in the family and in school as an outstanding teacher. I am convinced that HCUK has a most effective approach to deal with this hidden killer: working locally to promote greater community awareness and to facilitate earlier diagnosis and screening.  

My charity campaign places all the money it raises directly into HCUK’s bank account. HCUK have agreed to ring fence all funds that my “Just Giving” page raises for a local campaign in North-West England in the places where Veronica lived and worked.

• If we manage to raise a sum of £1,000, it will
  enable us to provide awareness flyers and posters in local pharmacies and GP surgeries;
• If we could somehow manage to raise £5,000, we would have enough money to begin taking out adverts on the sides of local buses!  

I pledge myself to make good use of all the funds that we
raise to promote this cause and to make a real difference together!  Donate today and help save a life.  Chronic Heartburn – Could be Cancer – Check it out! 

THANK YOU so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Donating through them is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe. JustGiving will 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.