This is “Me”:

COVID had got in the way of my annual MOTs in the last couple of years so I checked in with the doctors in the April of 2022, “….everything was fine in 2019” I told myself, “…so what could of changed..” I am nonchalantly expecting to receive my “MOT Pass’ certificate, in all departments, a few days later, perhaps a few pounds to lose, or I must do a little more exercise, but nothing I didn’t already know myself……. Right?

I didn’t know this was the start of a 12 month journey that was to be my toughest challenge in my 46 years…..

“….. Mr Summers we need to conduct some additional tests as your PSA reading is higher than we would expect for someone of your age [… it was reading 5.4]…..” an MRI followed, then what felt like too many biopsies….it is now June and my wife [Colette] and I find ourselves sitting in front of the urologist, my brother and dad wait patiently outside……..

“BOOM”……. no one can prepare you for it……….

………the whole world went silent on me, it was like I couldn’t hear anything however hard I tried, Colette was speaking to me but I couldn’t hear her. There was a nothingness in my mind, light and dark at the same time. “….I am sorry Mr Summers but I have to tell you that you have prostate cancer….”

It felt like I was looking at myself from within myself, talking to myself, but not able to make any noise“….sorry that doesn’t compute, why me, what about Colette, what about my kids, my family, what about all the things I still want to do, places I want to see, memories I want to create, I need to be here and support my family whenever they need me……….” My mind was awash with questions, emotions, reflections, although my family was there with me I felt so alone, it wouldn’t be the last time I felt alone on the journey I had to take, there were many moments of loneliness and fear….. it is so different when you are the one sitting in the chair.

Fast forward to today, with the amazing support from friends, family and too many nurses and doctors to mention I recently got my 6 month all clear following surgery in September 22. I will be tested regularly for the rest of my life but for now I can put that behind me and look forward. Although I have always supported and donated to cancer charities for many years, I feel now the time is right to start a broader fundraising effort in order to ensure all those, including their families, that go through similar challenges, continue to receive the best support from some truly amazing people.

Thankfully I haven’t had to use Macmillan, and I hope that I don’t need to call on them, however I know of too many friends and family that have had to call on the charity’s services, and so I “hike” for them all. 

This is “Santander and my amazing team of colleagues”:

Santander is partnering with Macmillan in 2023, through many events during the year we hope to raise a significant amount of money to ensure the great work Macmillan does can continue. 

In my personal story above I spoke about the support from friends and family, but I must extend that thanks to Santander, who as an organisation continue to support me and continue to support many others colleagues facing similar situations.

This story wouldn’t be complete without calling out some amazing colleagues, some of them hiking with us in July. I had to take number of months out of the business following surgery, this team were amazing, they “steered the ship” pulled together as they always do, they checked in regularly sending their best wishes and thoughts.   It was actually a few of the team here that suggested that we take on the Mighty Hikes challenge, my sincere thanks to them for seeding the idea.

Finally, although I have mentioned my personal story above all of the team taking on this Mighty Hike have been touched by cancer in one way or another, they are all hiking for something, for someone, in order to help make an important difference.

We all ask, please donate whatever you can, it all helps.  

Thanks from all of us.

Lee & Colette, Sarah & Dave, Sam & Chris, Tony & Leigh, Dion & Jamie, Trong, Andy, Julie,