Dad never knew he had Prostate Cancer until the last year of his life when he was diagnosed as having secondary cancer to his spine.

He had nothing more than a back ache in the summer of 2004 and was still working on site as a builder. But by September of that year, Dad had severe leg pain and was then diagnosed with cancer and told he could have had it for approximately 4 years.

Dad never at any stage wanted to know the likely outcome, even having spinal compression the following summer, leaving him paralysed chest down. He never gave up the fight.  Life was so precious to Dad and just like any 'big kid' he had plenty of dreams that he so wanted to fulfil.

I cannot help but feel that this was not Dad's time to go and at 57 still had so much to live for. With a better awareness of this cancer, we might have read all the small signs earlier than 4 years down the line and maybe given Dad a better chance of survival.

If nothing else is achieved by entering this Triathlon, than raising a little awareness to this huge un-spoken about cancer, then we have succeeded.

So here's the team - Me (Daughter No 1), Mum,  husband Robert and our dear friend Vern (he must be more mad than we are). Sally (Daughter No 2), to our surprise and delight, has fallen pregnant and unfortunately had to pull out of the race. Now, her main duties on the day will be to ensure we get loads of encouragement and complete the massive task of helping Mum find her bike !!!!

So, on Saturday 5th August 2006 we'll be competing in the London Triathlon. For those of you not familiar with the format it all starts with a 750m swim followed by a 20km cycle and then to finish it all up a 5km run!!!! Rob and Vern have been warned that they may have to carry Mum and I over the finish line to ensure we all finish the race.

If Dad were here now he'd say, 'You're all mad' but I know deep down he would be so proud.

A small percentage of the money raised will be going to the Isabel Hospice in Welwyn Garden City, where Dad was cared for so well in the last weeks of his life.  It's important to us that they get some form of recognition for all their dedication and compassion in caring for us as a family as well as Dad.

Thank you for visiting our site and I do hope you will dig deep to help this much needed charity.

www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/