So here’s your WBH (Wear Bare Hair) challenge – count up the boxing references & catch phrases in my story to be in with a chance to win a prize…

My title bout with cancer began in May, 2019 when I was diagnosed with myeloma, acute kidney injury & bone fractures. I thought I was out for the count, but I squared up to my first chemotherapy, toed the line & was saved by the bell or at least got to ring it in November 2019. With so many supporters in my corner – Diane, my family, friends & NHS staff all rooting for me, it’s so reassuring!

Myeloma UK (www.myeloma.org.uk) is the real McCoy when it comes to knowing the ropes. This lesser known charity provides advice, guidance and specific support to myeloma patients & their family. It is also an invaluable source of mental health support, that has enabled me to stay positive, encouraged & empowered during very challenging times. This WBH challenge is all about throwing my hat in the ring to fundraise & have some fun. Most importantly, your donation is giving something forward (not back), helping future cancer patients. Who knows myeloma may even throw in the towel one day, becoming a curable disease!

I rolled with the punches in January, 2020 taking a full stem cell transplant on the chin that really hit below the belt, but when the going got tough, the tough got going! I gradually recovered, picking myself up off the mat and happily went into remission. The sucker punch came in January 2021 when my cancer returned. It was seconds out,
round two! So I am now almost finished my second chemotherapy, having gone 7 rounds of treatment with two jabs every hospital visit and my nurses certainly know how to give me the ole’ one two.

I’ve decided to go for a no holds barred approach to the head shave (aka Wear Bare Hair challenge) as I lost all my hair after the stem cell transplant & what’s there now is 19 months growth. Symbolically, this head shave reminds me how lucky I am – not a lightweight but a fighter like my dad. I'm still here, able to enjoy life and have fun! 

So let’s get ready to rumble on Saturday, September 18^th. Please give whatever you can, no matter how small, your kind donation will make a real difference. And if you can Gift Aid it, so much the better. Thank you very much indeed!

Got all the boxing references? Email your name, contact details &
the number of boxing references to gibbo.52@outlook.com. All correct entries go into the hat with one lucky winner scooping a boxing delight of chocolates. Good luck! 

(One entry per person by 17th September. Draw takes place on Saturday, 18^th September.)

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on 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 for the charity.