In March 2017 I was diagnosed with a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST). GISTs are a rare type of sarcoma found in the digestive system. Whilst some GISTs behave in a non-cancerous (benign) way, subsequent investigation showed the tumour growing symptomless on my stomach to be malignant. I was immediately referred to the Royal Marsden where GIST specialists carried out further exploratory tests, resulting in targeted cancer drugs being prescribed to shrink the tumor in preparation for the operation which would eventually remove it. On the 12th December 2017 a successful operation was carried out to remove the GIST. Fortunately, the fantastic surgeons at the Royal Marsden were able to remove all of the tumour.

The only exercise allowed during my convalescence was walking. It was during one of these restorative walks, that I decided to show my unending gratitude for the team at the Royal Marsden. A cancer diagnosis turns your world upside down, and my resolve was challenged both physically and emotionally. The team at The Royal Marsden have been, and continue to be amazing. The treatment and care I have received, and continue to receive, has made my situation that much easier to bear. I’ve been back to work since the 22nd January and although it may be a little early in my recovery to be walking 14 miles, I am determined to show my gratitude by raising some money for this world-leading cancer centre.

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre. We ensure our nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and groundbreaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, we will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.