Bradley Cross
South Pole Expedition
Fundraising for Marie Curie
Story
Thank you for taking the time to visit my Just Giving page.
I thought long and hard about the words to put here that would truly convey why raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Charity is so important to me. But no matter how much I tried, nothing came close and was more honest than the words I had already written in a letter to my Dad. In sharing how this terrible disease has affected my family, I hope to raise money for this charity so that they may continue to deliver excellent care and support for those patients and families that need it most.
"Dear Dad,
I cannot believe three years have passed since we last spoke, three years since we laughed together, three years since my world changed forever.
The other day I was lost and hurt in an instant when I struggled to remember our last conversation. My beautiful girlfriend Sarah, whom I wish you had got to meet, gave me some great advice; to begin writing our memories in a journal, so regardless of how much time has passed I will never forget a single one. The timing of her suggestion could not have been more apt as it comes at a time when I really need your help, strength and support the most. You see, Dad… beginning in November I will embark on that lifelong ambition we spoke about. Taking myself into another world to see if I have what it takes to survive in adversity. To truly test if I have the inner strength to keep moving onwards when all logic says to stop; and complete a 45 day, 580 mile trek across Antarctica to the South Pole.
They say it is the coldest place on earth, and hauling sleds with over 120lbs of supplies into a prevailing headwind, while climbing over 9,000 feet will certainly make it a hell of a trip. In classic "lastminute.com" style, you will be pleased to know that this has been planned in a little under eight weeks whilst I’ve been working offshore in Equatorial Guinea - having only ever skied twice on a training trip to Iceland. We never did like doing things the easy way!
In the emptiness that followed when you passed, I took great comfort from the fact that you went on your own terms, living life to the fullest and doing all of the things that you enjoyed with the people you loved. Despite being in remission you were cruelly taken from us, fifty-two was far too young for you to go, especially for someone with such a big heart and with so much life still to live. It’s because of the pain cancer has caused our family and millions of others, that I will be trying to raise money for the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. A charity I know you supported too!!
So…when that lowest of low point comes and I'm in need of inspiration, I will look no further than my own father. If I can simply muster a fraction of the courage that you showed during your fight with cancer, then this should pale in comparison. You showed me that even when the odds are against you, even when giving up would be the easiest way out; defeat just isn't an option for a Cross. We never, ever, ever give up!
Forever your son,
Love,
Bradley"
I would like to add that this trip has been personally funded and that 100% of the money raised will go directly to Marie Curie. I really believe in this charity and want to support them so that another son doesn't have to write a letter to his father, that he will never get to read because of cancer.
For anyone that is interested you will be able to track our 4 man team on the following website J