It was with a sad sense of irony that Sandev being diagnosed with cancer at only 17 was the precipitating event leading to our close friendship, despite me knowing him in passing a great deal longer than this. Nevertheless, for 2 years, Sandev and I enjoyed as much time together as his brutal treatment regimen would allow, until he tragically passed in October of 2021, and I look back at him as a great friend to me during this time. 

Sandev was infinitely more than his diagnosis, and throughout our 2 years of friendship, despite numerous remissions followed by fading glimpses of hope, he refused to ever see himself as a victim or at any disadvantage, and continued to be a kind, funny, and selfless friend to all. His determination to finish his A-levels and be accepted into medical school against all odds speaks to this greatly and illustrates my point... he refused to view himself differently to any other teenager. He has certainly left me with many important lessons about life, and it has been difficult for me to describe his personality, bravery, and selfless friendship here in words, so to honour this I believe it is time to give something back. 

It is fitting therefore, that when he approached the end of his life, we decided jointly that I would run the Great North Run in 2022 for Young Lives vs Cancer. In case you are unfamiliar with this charity's awesome work, your donations can enable fantastic services such as financial support for families of children with cancer, Homes from Home during treatment, nursing help at home, and bereavement support- to name just a few. Please do consider donating, I have seen the incredible support this charity provides young people and their families with during their toughest moments. 

In addition, if you would like to read an emotional tribute to Sandev's life, I encourage you to check out an article written by his dad, Asitha: 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/taking-life-lessons-from-my-late-son-asitha/