Cancer is a dreadful disease and I think everybody knows someone who has battled cancer; some may have battled and lost but will never be forgotten by their loved ones, some are still fighting against it as hard as they can and some have fought and “kicked it’s arse.”
Macmillan Cancer Support helps those people with cancer and their families in so many ways but all this requires money and in my small way I honoured to be taking part in the Lake District Ultra Challenge to raise as much money as I can. Here my story about loved ones who have had cancer.

My wife, Jen’s Step-mum was diagnosed in 2014 with Stage 4 bowel cancer, she fought it so hard but died in February 2016, we had amazing support from our Macmillan nurse, I remember he  came out to Jackie on Boxing Day 2016 as she was so ill. When Jackie was admitted to hospital in January 2016 it was with the help of Macmillan nurses that they secured her a place in a hospice where she spent her last 2 weeks.

My Dad lived with lymphoma for years, enduring 2 separate courses of chemotherapy. We had a lovely Macmillan nurse who came to visit him and my Mum regularly, reviewing his medications, offering practical help like fast tracking a disabled badge and claiming benefits for some of his care and supporting the whole family through such a difficult time. In my Dad’s last couple of years he also suffered from dementia and in his last few weeks we were able to have Macmillan nurses who sat with him throughout the night to care for him and give my Mum a chance to rest. Words cannot express how grateful we were to have Macmillan Cancer Support for my wife and my Dad.

I have a number of friends, neighbours and colleagues who have had cancer, unfortunately too many to name, but you know who you are, I am doing this for you too.