Just over three years ago I heard the news that no one wants to hear ‘You Have Leukaemia’! So that’s it you think, better make sure my house is in order and prepare for the inevitable. And who knows, maybe that would have been the outcome without the good fortune (and you need some luck in this game) of being referred to The Christie Hospital.

I had an ‘interesting’ 18 months of stabilisation and treatment that culminated in six months on intravenous chemotherapy combined with a monoclonal therapy that left me physically shattered (I couldn’t walk 200 yards to the top of my road). After 12 months of intensive training though I am today fully fit, in remission and about to undertake a 300 mile wilderness trek along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. My good friend Gary Meadows has given me great support during this difficult period (both the chemo and the training!) and will also be my partner in crime on the trek.

 After a year of research, planning and training we will start the trek on the 7^th September in the southern aspect of the state of Virginia at Burkes Garden.  It will finish 301 miles later (still in Virginia) on the 30^th September at the entrance to The Shenandoah National Park, Waynesboro.

 The majority of the trek will be through wilderness except for three overnight stops in towns along the route to allow for restocking of food, laundry and maybe having a welcome shower.  This is not an event organised by a professional company.  There will be no support and we will have to carry all food and camping equipment.  As if the physical challenge of walking 300 miles and climbing 72,000 feet (the sum total of all the climbs) with a 40 lb pack on our back was not enough there will also be the wildlife challenges of avoiding bears and rattle snakes!

 The cost of this trip is fully funded by us and The Christie will receive all monies donated.

Why are we doing this?  Well whilst Gary hasn’t personally been affected by cancer he, like most of us, has experienced its devastating consequences through family and friends.  As such he decided to carry out this trek in aid of The Christie Hospital and all monies collected by him will go to their charity.

For my part it is firstly to say thank-you to the haematology unit at The Christie for their dedication and innovative approach in bringing me through this, whilst being safe in the knowledge that the money will be spent wisely on a good cause.  And secondly, yet just as importantly, that maybe it will give a little inspiration to others who felt like I did 18 months ago, encouraging them to believe that you can live a full and active life with cancer.

 Our aim is to raise £7,000.00 so please give as much as you can - all your money will be going to a very worthwhile cause.

 Thank you very much for sponsoring us and supporting The Christie.