Lucy Slater
Lucy's 12 events in 2022
Fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support
Story
08/01/2021
As some of you may or may not know, a year ago today my mum was diagnosed with lung cancer. A diagnosis that at first was heartbreakingly terrifying and consumed my every thought. BUT after a few weeks... (okay months!) it didn't seem so scary. My mum is incredibly healthy, and strong and currently taking a single tablet a day that has helped shrink the tumour in her lung. She still walks the dogs twice a day, goes to the gym and does everything she did before. Her only side effect is a toe nail that's a little more brittle than the rest. She is so so healthy, for which I am eternally grateful for.
She is currently under the Sussex cancer centre, located at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. However, apart from the scans and consultations she has every 3 months, they don't play a massive part in her Journey. Every month, she has a blood test at her local doctors and then has a phone consultations with a Macmillan nurse before they can send her her monthly tablets.
For others, the Macmillan team have a larger imput in their lives. They provide support to those patients that need it, and to their emotional loved ones that are also dealing with the news. They provide coffee mornings, and an informational lounge. The provide a patient centred approach with patients choosing how they live, and for some, they provide dignity in dying. If seen first hand through work the amazing support that charities and places like Macmillan give to their patients.
If you've made it this far in the post then I'll cut to the point. In 2022 I'm going to be doing a charity 'event' every month, raising money for MacMillan as a thank you for what they have done for patients like my mum, and those that need much more. These include running, swimming, cycling, hiking and doing other things that will push me. Throughout the month, I'll train for those events, posting my triumphs and failures on Facebook, and encouraging anyone who wishes to join me. Though I won't take offence if no one does.
Thank you!