HELLO EVERYONE,

Here I go asking you for help to say thank you to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation at Preston hospital who, since October, have been looking after me following my diagnosis with skin cancer. But things were traumatic just before that diagnosis.

 My 85 year old mum had a dreadful fall resulting in hospitalisation. This was followed by her having a serious infection in her damaged arm and she had another spell in hospital plus she developed a debilitating chest infection.  Night after night we sat up as mum fought illness.  During this scary time I received the bombshell - I was diagnosed with skin cancer.  I was totally gob-smacked and struggled to get my head round it. Basically I ignored it and shut it out in order to look after mum. I felt so lost, so lonely and so inadequate as I was on my own. My normal  sound and reliable persona in a crisis went out the window.  I didn't know what to do or where to turn. My dad's death from lung cancer was also in my mind.

As I was sitting in the waiting room to begin my first radiotherapy session, fear and exhaustion overtook me as I realised that I had cancer just like all the other  inspirational people around me.  But the wonderful staff at Rosemere Cancer Foundation at Preston hospital were on hand immediately.  Their calm, reassuring and caring manner was so welcome.  My treatment was carefully explained and over the coming days and weeks I received invaluable advice, help, care and guidance. I could not have managed without this support. 

I decided that if I was to get through this rough time I needed a goal and told my oncologist that I would be running the Great Manchester Run on 18th May 2014 to raise funds for the Foundation.  Although somewhat incredulous, I don't think she doubted that I would do it!!

I started power walking on good days and over the last few weeks I have gradually built up my training by walking/jogging and working in the gym.  At times it was too much but I have persevered. I am now about to achieve my goal thanks to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

The Foundation needs £50,000  to develop their patient care even further making life more comfortable for all patients. Please, please can you support them and me by donating whatever you can to help  not just me, but all cancer patients in Lancashire who desperately need  care from the Foundation.

Thank you so much.

Linda

PS Mum is doing fine.