Story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. My story is below: Hello, My name is Gareth (Jan) Hughes and I am an Operations Manager for NAAFI. 4 years ago on 23rd January 2008 I was aware of a lump that had appeared within in hours on the left side of my neck…Never thought much of it at first -cut myself shaving, got infected; the normal sort of thoughts we have. Nothing too serious!   Until it continued to grow, within days it now resembled a golf ball jammed in my throat. Tests were done a biopsy carried out.   I was diagnosed with cancer of the tonsil and neck, which was swiftly dealt with, via chemotherapy, radiotherapy, then a comprehensive neck dissection. This is when all but the necessary vein arteries and muscle are left but everything else removed. For 2 years all was running according to plan.   No signs of a regression, putting weight back on, too much some would say……Then the worst news I could have asked for. The tumour had returned, and this time it was also in my tongue. As before I rolled my sleeves up and faced it full on and again I went under the surgeon’s knife. Professor Peter Brennan’s knife to be precise. He cancelled a seminar in France to return and help my fight for life, because by this stage that is exactly what it was. Through this gentle man’s skill, patience and expertise again I live to tell the tale; minus even more neck tissue and a portion of my throat and tongue, my throat being rebuilt with the use of my Pectoral (Chest) Muscle.   So there is always hope, if you remain positive and focussed on having a future with your nearest and dearest, which is made all the more possible and attainable when you are supported like my family and I were supported.         To this end I became very aware of not only the effect it has on you as a patient but those around you family, friends and work colleagues, and those that help to support these people. It is fine for me, as I’m sitting in a Hospital bed being cared for 24/7 and rightly so too, but who watches out for the friends and family who have to witness your plight -  they too are suffering? They are the people who are easily over looked. The Cancer support worker, salaried or volunteers are the unsung hero’s who witness the tragedy, pain and suffering of our nearest and dearest.   This is my way of saying thank you to the support workers, surgeons and nurses all involved at Queen Alexandra Hospital Hants, and especially the team at The Cancer Information and Support Centre based in the hospital.  I would like to raise some awareness and hopefully a little money too, to show them the appreciation and gratitude I have for them, by way of doing a sponsored head shave!   Over Easter a  child within the Fareham/Portsmouth community will have the pleasure of removing my locks which hopefully will be filmed and viewed on local TV news and in local papers.   If you can, please donate some money, however small through this website. The money will go straight to The Cancer Information and Support Centre through Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust General Charitable Fund. Thank You from the bottom of my heart for your support. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.   So please dig deep and donate now.

The Cancer Information & Support Centre

The Cancer Information & Support Centre

Story

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