In November 2013, I watched my Dad present his 'patient experience' to an audience of over 300 myeloma patients and their families at the Myeloma UK London Infoday.  He was confident and amusing despite seven years of treatment for this incurable bone marrow cancer.  You name it, he's done it... stem cell transplants, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, thousands of pills, hospital stays, surgery etc.  

My Dad's myeloma is back and he is starting on Revlimid, a drug that was approved only following the relentless lobbying by Myeloma UK since his diagnosis over 7 years ago.  Despite all the relapses and treatments, my Dad describes a pretty enviable quality of life for about 95% of the last 2,615 days, including enjoying his 4 grandchildren, holidays in far-flung locations and following the fortunes(?) of the Seagulls. Not a bad way to look at a 'battle' with cancer.

Although it was never discussed, I don't think either of us expected him to be here now and we give huge credit to his doctors and Myeloma UK - an incredible force in lobbying for myeloma patients and providing a support and information network for them and their families.  Myeloma UK trains GPs to spot the early symptoms of myeloma and is the only UK charity focussed on the discovery, development and access to new effective treatments, investing approximately £1.5m a year on world-leading research.  A future of better treatments and ultimately a cure for myeloma, requires investment in research today. 

At that Infoday last November, I found out that Myeloma UK had secured a few places for the London Marathon and I volunteered (again) as it's about the least I can do to show my appreciation for this fantastic charity.  I hope you enjoy my video training diary (my 'Lobblog') and I am truly grateful for your donations and support.     

Thank you, thank you, thank you,

Andrew x

p.s. my daughter Eva is supplementing my fundraising - let me know if you would like to order one of her loom band bracelets (see picture below).

p.p.s. 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.