My Story

For those that don’t know, in September 2014 I was diagnosed with Mantel Cell Lymphoma. Over the next month, further tests identified that the cancer was stage 4 and  had spread to my neck, abdomen, spine, spleen and lungs. My 6 months of chemotherapy treatment put me in hospital twice with life threatening infections.  Some days I was barely able to walk up the stairs and simple tasks were exhausting.

Finally, after a stem cell transplant (3 weeks in isolation - preparation in some ways for  last year and COVID) I was in full remission and here I am now – 6 years later, still in remission, with check-ups every 12 months, waiting……..

Waiting for cancer to come back is not a very healthy state to be mentally. However, through Macmillan I was offered free counselling, which has made a massive difference to my outlook on life (see ‘Headlights’ section below.)

Macmillan also funded the liaison nurse, which is so valuable when you are paranoid about every ache and pain being the cancer returning.

Headlights

Headlights - Imagine you are car driving in the dark.

Looking beyond your headlights asking questions like ‘What if I die’, ‘What if the Cancer comes back’ are things you can’t control, and these thoughts result in ‘Anxiety’. 

Looking behind you, asking questions like ‘Why did I smoke’ , ‘Why did I not go to the Doctor earlier‘ . You can’t change the past, and these thoughts lead to ‘Depression’. 

Living your life in your headlights (the now) is a healthy place to be. I believe that is why exercise is so good for you both physically and mentally and has been such a key part in my recovery. 

My Challenge

On July 10th I will be  undertaking a 100k ultra marathon called the Race to the Stones as my next stupid challenge that keeps me in my ‘headlights’ and keeping my mind and body healthy (although I’m pushing it to its max!). 

It would be great if you could sponsor me to help fund someone else’s support - not everyone is as lucky as me to have such amazing family, friends and work colleagues to support them through the journey (Thank you all).

Either way please take some time to get active and live in your headlights.

What Macmillan do....

Thanks for supporting my fundraising. At Macmillan, we give people with cancer everything we’ve got. If you’re diagnosed, your worries are our worries. We’re doing whatever it takes. But without your help we can’t support everyone who needs us.Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs.