The future is outwith our control and the past has already gone.  Living in the now is what's it is all about as well as showing gratitude for being alive.  I never take anything for granted these days, every day is a good one even the challenging ones. When you feel that your morality is at risk life takes on a different meaning. Here's my story......

On 21 September 2016, my one and only mole was removed; a mole that had never seen the light of day due to it's location and the owner's reluctance to venture into the sun without anything less than a factor 50 sun block.

The histology report was duly received a month later, advising that a malignant melanoma had become attached to me in more ways than one. We have since parted company. 

I was subsequently admitted to hospital for a wide local excision (WLE) and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Then came the wait, a nail biting 4 - 6 weeks to find out whether the cancerous cells have been contained.  In my head, all the abnormal cells have been removed and the follow up surgery and investigations were purely precautionary.  This was confirmed in December when Santa arrived early and brought good news in time for Christmas.

Following the unexpected medical events towards the end of 2016 I felt compelled to help raise melanoma awareness. The disease can affect anyone and at any age. If it isn't detected and treated at any early stage it's spread around the body can be ruthless, that's a fact. My intention is not to paint a negative picture, the fact of the matter is that early detection and treatment are essential. Check your moles (and your partner's) today. See your GP if you have any concerns, better to be safe than sorry. The likelihood is that there is nothing to worry about.

Since the diagnosis, I feel honoured and privileged to have been warmly welcomed into a closed Facebook group.  Truly amazing and inspirational people. Some of the posts tug at the heart strings, brutally frank and honest. Some members are half my age that puts everything into perspective, there are always people who are worse off. Some are no longer here but their strength and positivity live on.

I've never done things by half measures so what better way to blow away the cobwebs than to run in the London Marathon.  If this results in the early detection of melanoma for one person then all the blood (hope there won't be too much of that on the day), sweat, tears and blisters will be worth it.

Please, please, please - I ask you to support this worthwhile cause, every penny counts. Let's aim to make melanoma and other skin cancers a thing of the past!

Spock was right - live long and prosper. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.