Marie Curie is a charity that my family have supported all my life.  As I'm sure many people have experienced, I have had relatives and friends pass away from terminal illnesses (f*ck cancer as the saying goes).  

Several years ago now I returned from a trip to find out my Dad's best friend, Pete, had a lump in his neck and was undergoing tests to identify what it was.  He soon learnt that it was a very aggressive tumour that was completely enveloping his thyroid and was ultimately terminal.  He moved into a hospice where I witnessed the care he was provided to live in as much comfort as possible, but I also saw the huge amount of support the nurses gave to friends and relatives.  Pete passed away 3 weeks after I returned from that trip - it was that fast.  None of us coped particularly well and the support Marie Curie provided was invaluable.

Pete's wife, Lyn, had already recovered from breast cancer twice at this point.  She later contracted it a third time a few years ago, but the prognosis this time was not so good.  It was stage 4 and ultimately spread to other organs and to her bones.  She received care at home from Marie Curie to help her live in comfort and dignity.  Unfortunately we lost her during the first Covid lockdown when no-one could see her.

I could go on and tell you more about how I have come into contact with Marie Curie, like an aunt and uncle who both had dementia and received in-home and then hospice care, but I think you get the picture.  They do a huge amount, not just for those living with terminal illnesses, but the family and friends too.

What with the cost-of-living crisis and Christmas coming up, I won't be in the slightest bit offended if you're unable to contribute.  But if you do find some spare change in that coat pocket or at the bottom of your bag, please do consider donating, especially if you find it amusing that I'm mad enough to spend my Christmas trekking and camping at the ends of the Earth!