This fundraiser starts 1st January through to the 31st. I’ll probably walk it. In my mind I’d much rather run and do twice the miles. I used to take pride in my physical fitness but seeing as I’m carrying a spinal fracture, walking is safer, I can always chase down the clock to make it more interesting.

I first met the Phoenix unit at the Sunderland Royal Infirmary on 19th November 2019. I’d hurt my back lifting a heavy weight at work. An X-ray revealed the damage and a bone biopsy confirmed it. Myeloma is a blood cancer.

Being told you have cancer and currently there’s no cure, is quite difficult to describe. But what was most helpful for me was how my consultant told me straight. I don’t know that I heard everything she was telling me at first but what brought me back to the room was my wife’s reaction, she was devastated.

But then my consultant gave me the good news, “We can slow this thing down, I’m telling you 10 years plus, I just can’t tell you what the plus is.” Now, nothing in life is guaranteed, I know that. I also know, if that’s the best case scenario, what’s the worst?

Dr Hervey looked at me for a moment and replied, “Ten years plus, I just don’t know what the plus is.” So ten years plus it is.

What she gave me was hope. Everyone who works on the Phoenix unit gives you hope, affirms that hope. Even if they don’t realise it. They support you in such a way that you have to believe. Believe in the hope they infuse in you, because without them there’d be no hope, no light, and definitely fewer tomorrow’s.

It’s been four years since I was diagnosed. To be honest, some days I have to remind myself I have cancer. Those are the good days. The Phoenix unit gave me that gift which is only made possible due to years of incredibly hard study and work. They’re like family to me now. So that’s why I want to complete this challenge.

I know things are hard for everyone right now, and yeah, this is ANOTHER fund raiser, but THIS money is very important as EVERY PENNY will go directly to the Phoenix unit, EVERY PENNY can make a difference, cos when you’re told you have terminal cancer, your sure gonna need it.

Besides, it’s my birthday in January. So please, consider a donation, however small. Share this fundraiser, tell your family and friends. Or better still, Kickstart the new year and challenge yourself and help us continue to support patients and families at the Phoenix Unit Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Whether you take it a mile at a time or pack in a few big runs its your challenge your way. Take part alone or with a team, track and share your progress through strava and share pics on Facebook, Insta and Twitter.

Start a JustGiving fundraiser today and help us continue to fight blood cancer for a brighter future.