In one way or another I have been involved in the effects of Cancer and the terrible legacy it often leaves. After both of my parents ‘John and Mary’ passed away with small cell lung cancer and liver cancer I was devastated as only a close relative can be. Suddenly feeling the isolation and loss of both parents may be selfish but this is the aftermath that you are left with. Since then we decided that we would give a small donation to two cancer charities every month and have done so for the last sixteen or so years. One of these charities is known as AICR and it funds the best cancer research across the world. As the Association for Cancer Research says ‘Cancer knows no boundaries’ and nor does the funding it offers to the very best research across the globe.

 

More recently when a close friend was diagnosed with Mesothelioma which we all knew was a terminal illness we were completely shocked. Being made to confront our own mortality was not easy. Having grown in to middle age sharing our family lives together we did not expect to have to face saying goodbye to our friend in our forties. We thought we would grow old together. Her children had grown up with our children and we had family holidays together sharing our history. After a difficult operation and painful recovery, our friend, who had been until just months before her death a fine athlete and extremely strong individual finally succumbed to this disease.

 

It was at this time, ‘Some may say, mid life crises’ that I had a minor illness myself and decided that I had enough of the rat race. I made a decision to have a couple of years off from work and handed my notice in. I am in a very supportive family and in a lucky position to be able to do this. I have been an enthusiastic amateur sailor for the last few years and own my own small 31’ yacht. A friend of mine walked and climbed to Everest base camp and was sponsored for charity to do this. This made me think of my own personal goals and my own personal ‘Everest’ which is to sail mainly single handed as a novice around the coast of the UK from Portsmouth to the Scottish Hebrides. A few friends have expressed an interest in this and wish to accompany me on a few legs along with my dog ‘Freddie a rather large German Shepherd. As a relative beginner this poses a great challenge not only in controlling the yacht and the navigational skills needed for such a venture but leaving my family for periods of time and fending for myself and Freddie while at sea. Sailing approximately one thousand miles in some of the most treacherous waters including the Irish sea, around Lands End and the North Sea, when the longest passage I have ever done is roughly twenty miles in the calm Solent waters, is a daunting and at times a frightening goal.

 

Cancer never feels very far away however. Only recently two more friends have been diagnosed with rare types of Cancer. Just as one came to an end with her radiation treatment her husband was diagnosed.

 

I am sure this story is no different to many people as I think Cancer touches us all during our lifetimes. Funding research that gives cancer sufferers and their families hope is my way of showing my support for anyone touched in any way from this illness. My challenge seems daunting but not in comparison to the effects of cancer on patients and their families.

 

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cut costs for the charity.

 

So please dig deep and donate what you can for this very worthwhile charity.  Your support is massively appreciated, thank you

 

You can follow the trip by looking at our weekly blog. www.sailingtoscotland.blogspot.com

 

Richard Dempster.