This great charity is dedicated to supporting patients at Bristol’s leading cancer specialist centre, the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC), where I have been having my cancer treatment. They work to improve the environment in which the patients like me, are treated, and provide comfort and support to them and their families. They also provide funds for new equipment and research into new treatments. They are a non-funded organisation and rely entirely upon charitable donations.

----

Hello & Thanks for visiting my Just Giving Page.

Specialist treatment centres like this one at BHOC are so vital for saving lives for common and rare cancers like they did in saving my life. So I’m fundraising for Friends of Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre to try and help. Please donate to my page today to improve the treatment environment for patients just like me and their families.

I was unexpectedly diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma cancer on 22nd December 2023, literally right before Christmas, following a trip to A&E for something completely different. From the moment I was told I had cancer, I felt like my life had changed forever.

To add to that, I was also diagnosed with 'pleural effusion' - excessive fluid squashing my right lung. I had to have an immediate chest drain there & then. Another thing I didn't even know was there! It later turned out to have been caused by my cancer and I had 5 litres of fluid drained overall!

On 16th August 2024, I finished an intense course of chemotherapy, that ran over 30 weeks, totalling 14 cycles. I had treatment as an inpatient every 2 weeks, and my body has responded really well to treatment. I've also started radiotherapy every weekday as of mid-July until the end of August, totalling 30 treatments. Something I was originally told wasn't even an option for me!

On 28th October 2024, I recieved the unwelcome news that my cancer had already started to grow back following treatment, and in two new places. Not only that but the lining of my right lung has started to thicken too. Its very disappointing and so soon after treatment. I have now chosen to proceed with a clinical trial and am hoping to start new treatment as soon as possible.

I've had excellent treatment & been looked after by some wonderful people in the NHS, covering 6 different wards and 2 different hospitals. I am extremely grateful to all NHS staff who do an amazing job at a difficult time. We are lucky we have access to amazing healthcare in the UK that we don't even have to pay for!

My wife, work, friends & family continue to be absolutely incredible! Their help & support is amazing & I don't know how I can ever repay them. I'm lucky to have the perfect support network around me!

I would also like to say to everyone reading this, PLEASE don't put off getting health concerns checked. Don't end up like me where you go into hospital with one thing & find out you have something else you didn't even know was there. It may turn out to be really serious & may totally change your life too... "If in doubt, get it checked out!".

As I've now been effected by cancer, If I/we can do anything to help raise a few quid for this amazing treatment centre, who specialise in treating Ewings Sarcoma like I have, then why not. Cancer affected me & it could affect anyone at anytime. So a HUGE thank you for any kind donation that you make. It's really appreciated & really does make a difference!

Thanks for reading my story.

Dave x

P.S - Please feel free to check back to this page if you would like to keep updated on my progress. 🙂

** Special Mentions **

---------------------

Fundraisers in support of my page...

September '24

-----------------------

☆ Me, Chez, Mark, Simon, Alix & Rach - Charity Walk

**Visit thewestlakewalk.uk to find out more.**

January '25

------------------

☆ Me & Yvonne - Charity Disco

(Detials to follow in early October)

☆ & EVERYONE who donates...

You guys are truly awesome!! xxx