Originally posted on Facebbok 18 November 2015

Hello everyone…. There are some news I must share with you; some of you already know.

Those of you whom I haven’t managed to tell you in person I’m really sorry that you’re finding out this way…

On 6 October 2015 I was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) a cancer in the small intestine with metastasis in the liver and lymph nodes.
I started treatment straight away and have been told there’ll be surgery (January/February) to remove the primary tumour and debulk the liver. Further treatment will be needed after surgery but I’m focusing on the here and now.

Most of you know that in the past 2 years I have accomplished great things, marathon, half marathon, 10k, triathlon… As well as raising a considerable amount of money for charity.

Running keeps me sane. My oncologist has encouraged me to carry on running and I intend to do so; although it’s frustrating as I’m starting to slow down and not able to run long distances any more.

I don’t believe in miracles and it’s been a long time now since I lost my faith in the existence of a deity or the purpose of religion; to those you who do have faith I hope you’ll still be my friend after such a revelation.

I understand how cancer behaves because of the experience we’ve had as a family with Michael’s own cancer. I’m also a realist but an optimistic one.

I trust my oncologist and other consultants have my best interests at heart; I also trust their knowledge and experience. I also want you to know that this is not a fight, nor a war, it’s neither a journey, I’m not a soldier and I have nowhere to travel… I’m a pacifist so the language of war does not inspire me.

People ask me what can they do for me and my family… This is a difficult one to answer, sometimes we ourselves don’t know what we need. But one thing is certain please do not become strangers; I might not always be able to reply to messages, it takes a lot of energy just to keep up with normal life, but please do not give up on us!

I also intend to have as much fun as I can, life is hard enough as it is, I intend to laugh, dance and jump for joy at every opportunity.

I’m signing off now must catch some 💤💤💤😴😴😴 have a big hug from me.