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This summer we will be attempting to summit the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free standing mountain in the world!! Why? Because that's our idea of fun.....

As it's going to be pretty challenging we thought we best raise some money to make it all worth while. 

The Christie was an obvious choice for us, mainly as over the last 9 years they have successfully treated Mike's father, Richard, and are continuing to provide treatment and support to this day.

Richard was first diagnosed with Kidney cancer over 8 years ago in November 2010 and was immediately sent to Christie to start treatment. The cancerous kidney was successfully removed and all seemed well! Unfortunately a year later there was more bad news, the kidney cancer had spread to his lungs and further treatment was needed on the mets (Metastasis). Dr Hawkins at the Christie decided to start two lots of very aggressive Interlukin 2 Immunotheraphy treatment that successfully reduced and controlled the cancer. 

Thanks to the work of The Christie, Richard went from very low chances of survival to 5 more years of living life to the full.  Quarterly scans and appointments kept things in check, along with some extremely expensive daily drugs, all thanks to our wonderful NHS. 

Sadly, in 2017 after one of the scheduled scans Bone cancer was found, followed by more serious Brain cancer in August 2018. Targeted radiotherapy was used successfully to laser the brain mets halting their growth. Despite this, Richard's quality of life slowly started to dwindle as a result of all the cancers, drugs, side effects and complications. He was no longer allowed to drive, would tire easily and had head rushes that caused the occasional fall. 

Throughout this entire time Richard has kept a positive frame of mind and  continued to work, recording music all over the UK, Europe and America. In fact it was at 10pm at night whilst finishing work in the office that he fell and broke his femur. He was rushed to hospital and with the continued support of the Christie, Tameside Hospital and the MRI had a large operation to re-construct and pin his leg. 2 months after the fall he went through rehab in the Stamford Unit at Tameside Hospital and eventually returned home with a care team in place and suitably adapted home. 

Unfortunately since then Richard has been in and out of hospital with varying complications culminating in the development of a chest infection leading to his to the Christie and then Willow Wood Hospice.

On Sunday 4th August, the day after Mike and Laura successfully reached the submit of Kilimanjaro Richard peacefully passed away in the serene surroundings of Willow Wood Hospice with his Wife Jane by his side. RIP Dad. 

Over the last 9 years Richard has received support from many areas of the NHS but the most crucial and vital role has been played by the Christie. 

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