In 2018, Simon's asthmatic cough was diagnosed as an aggressive form of cancer.  As a fit, non-smoker (never smoked), with his second baby on the way, this cruel disease took hold.  In December 2019 he shared with me the news of his terminal diagnosis. “I am gutted”, he said. Plain and simple. We cried. He asked that day to keep on working. Work was his lifeline and connection to normality that enabled him to fight on until he tragically passed away in June 2020 at the young age of 39.  

Not everyone has this lifeline. Social isolation is the most common side effect of cancer. People are not always able to continue working, not everyone has a strong family network like Simon’s incredible wife, Alison, and his beautiful boys, Joseph and Sebastian; and friends often don’t know how to talk to someone about the dreaded disease. So imagine - hours in the chemo suite, sitting in a chair being pumped full of chemicals, with no one to talk to, no distractions and no support. Imagine, no one talking to you like you aren’t defined by the disease, imagine the loneliness. 

From Me to You is a UK charity that supports people with cancer through the simple act of writing a letter, tackling the isolation so often experienced.  Last year they delivered over 5,000 letters to cancer patients through hospital treatment centres, via their Donate-A-Letter scheme.  COVID-19 has left cancer patients with delayed treatments, alone during hospital visits and increasingly isolated. To connect with others is more important than ever. A simple letter provides that important connection and distraction much needed by those isolated.

In memory of Simon’s short life, his 39 years, I will do  39 activities over 39 days, including 39k walk, 39k cycle, runs totalling 39k, 39 second headstands, 39 sun salutations, HIIT sessions and more. And some less physical activities including writing 39 letters for the charity and baking 39 cupcakes for NHS staff!  All the money raised will pay for the packing and postage to keep the letters being delivered.