Some of you will know my story, or part of it but for those that don't: I am one of three Siblings who have had Cancer, none of these are genetically linked nor directly linked to smoking. It's just the luck of the draw, but between 1 in 3, and 1 in 2 of us will be on the wrong side of that draw at some point in our lives. I was 53 when I was diagnosed with bowl cancer, a 9 cm Stage 3 lession in my lower bowl. After Surgery, Chemotherapy, and Radiation therapy I have been in remission for 4 years. Although I still have issues: lack of stamina, poor food absorbtion, frequent and urgent need for the loo; I am getting back to normal. However as I recovered my Kid sister, Susan was diagnosed with stomach Cancer. Unfortunately treatment did not go so well for Sue and she succumbed to Pneumonia whilst visiting our Mum.

For both Susan and I, Macmillan played a big role in supporting and helping both of us through some of the darkest of days. Hence I would like to help repay them, by raising funds. However, two other charities have played a large role: Climbers  against Cancer was set up by John Ellinson, at about the same time as I fell ill. John had terminal Cancer, but in his last year inspired the world wide climbing community, by setting up Climbers against Cancer and raising vast funds to fight this pernicious desiese. Last but not least, we need more fundamental and targeted treatments, do you know that most general chemo has only around 20~30 %efficacy. Surgery is still by far the most effective intervention, but not all cancers or cancer stages can be treated in this way. Target drugs are required but they are expensive to develop and the commercial market is small. Only Socially Funded research will get us the drugs that are needed.