My dearest brother Leo who we affectionately called Poldi, was diagnosed with tongue cancer at the age of 51. He had an ulcer on the very back of his tongue that wouldn't go away. It was his dentist that suggested he should get it urgently checked. This was the start of a long and arduous journey for Poldi and his wonderful wife and children. I know if he was alive today Poldi would urge anyone with similar symptoms and even those already treated for mouth cancer who have had the all clear, to repeatedly get checked thereafter. 

Poldi was not someone that would complain or moan even when pain was at its worst. He soldiered on and continued to work hard and long hours until the very end of his life. He is to date the most generous hearted, selfless person I have ever met. I am so privileged to have called him my brother. 

Having been given the all clear after 5 years, he started to feel shoulder and neck pain that should have been a red flag to any doctor. Once again he endured endless radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy. In March 2020, Poldi was told that his immunotherapy had not been a success. He passed away in June 2020 and, during Covid, we recognise how lucky we were to be at his side in the final weeks. 

He is so deeply, deeply missed by friends and family, leaving behind his wonderful wife and four kids as well as our mother, my sister and brother. We live in the hope that people who know him will remember him dearly as we do and those that don't will learn something from his experience.

Mouth Cancer is on the increase. There are over 8700 new cases of mouth cancer in the UK each year.  Each year 2722 lives are lost.   The Mouth Cancer Foundation exists to raise awareness and support for mouth cancer. The charity endeavours to promote, protect, educate and support the public. Informing people on the signs, symptoms, risk factors, facts and figures and key causes of mouth cancer is extremely important and something which the charity is very passionate about. 

Thank you for visiting my Mouth Cancer 10 KM Awareness Walk fundraising page. Join us in London's Hyde Park on Saturday 24th September 2022.