My best friend’s dad, Mark Morgan, who I have known since I was 4 years old was first diagnosed with lung cancer back in 2020 and has since, had numerous admissions to Oncology ward 622. He underwent 2/3 lung removal surgery followed by intense radio therapy and chemotherapy. The care and management received from the Oncology team and in particular consultant Mr Q Ghafoor was outstanding and led to Mark getting the all clear and getting his life back on track, being able to get back to daily activities, playing golf, spending time with his family and of course going for a cheeky pint. 

Sadly, in October 2021 Mark began displaying signs that were concerning to his family. Following investigations at the Queen Elizabeth hospital, Mark was diagnosed with secondary brain cancer. Unfortunately a surgical removal was deemed too dangerous due to where the tumour was situated so Mark was offered a operation on his brain to instead, remove any excess fluid with the aim of reducing the pressure. This was a successful operation and symptoms were reduced drastically, almost immediately. However, symptoms quite quickly began to return - this led to Mark having several brain fluid drainages, this was all in the lead up to Christmas.

On 8th December, Marks symptoms has worsened quite rapidly. He attended the Oncology department at the QE for a brain scan and was given the devastating news that the tumour has aggressively grown and not much more could be done. Mark was offered an intensive course of radiotherapy even though the expected life expectancy was 12 weeks. 

Within a matter of days, Mark and his family were contacted directly by consultant Mr Q Ghafoor who wished to speak in person to offer additional options. The decision was made to commence chemotherapy and immunotherapy immediately. All of this had a major impact on Mark as the treatment really knocked him about. 

Just after Christmas Mark became unwell, things went from bad to worse. 

He was admitted to ward 622 via ambulance with suspected sepsis, Covid & pneumonia! Mark was an inpatient on the ward for 6 weeks and on several occasions it was touch and go with his family being told to prepare for the worst. Mark was looked after thoroughly, his family, friends and himself will never be able to thank them enough for saving his life!

Whilst being so unwell Mark’s cancer treatment was put on hold due to his immune system being so low. However investigations whilst on the ward showed positive responses to the treatment he previously had- this was obviously amazing news! He was then discharged home in March. 

Since coming home, Mark has gone from being completely bed bound and unable to do anything for himself to last week swinging a golf club for the first time in almost 12 months. He has had to learn to walk again and regained his independence. 

A further scan was conducted in June that showed amazing results- almost all the fluid has gone and the tumour is much smaller. 

Ward 622 played a massive part in saving Mark’s life and his initial recovery this is why I am fundraising for them. 

On Saturday 8th October I will be climbing a Cadair Idris- a mountain in wales followed by a 10K run on Sunday 9th in my local area. For those of you who don’t know me, mountain climbing and running have never part of my life so as much support as possible would be appreciated for both my achy legs and this noble cause.