On 23rd of December, we took my beloved mother-in-law into Aberdeen to get the results from the myriad of tests she had had over the previous 6 weeks.  The results were worse than we had expected - Stage 3c anal cancer.  At 88, her prognosis is mixed - her age means the cancer is unlikely to multiply rapidly, but equally the "gold star" level of treatment (surgery followed by chemo-radiation) is not the best option for her, so for the moment it is radiation only, and cross our fingers and hope.  She faces an uncertain time, and we are trying to support her as best we can.

Earlier in 2019, my wonderful sister-in-law lost her father far too young to oesophageal cancer.  

But there is good news! My dear friend Omar has been told that his cancer - which when he was diagnosed 4 years ago had a 27% 5-year survival rate (and no 10-year) - will not kill him.  In complete remission now, and his doctor has assured him he will die of something else entirely.  This is because of research, funded by organisations like Cancer Research UK, paid for by people like you.

On the 27th - 29th March, over 21,000 swimmers will be heading down to over 600 pools across the UK to raise money for two amazing charities.  I will be one of them, swimming 5000m (200 lengths) to try to raise funds for Swimathon, benefitting Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.

Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading cancer charity is dedicated to saving lives through funding research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Cancer Research UK are the only charity fighting over 200 cancer types but don't receive any government funding for their work, so their progress is all thanks to the support of people like you.

Marie Curie provides expert care, guidance and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. Around 2,100 Marie Curie Nurses work day and night, in people’s homes all over the UK, providing hands-on care to people when they need it most.