July 2007

Thank you to everyone who followed the story of my attempt to walk alone and unsupported to the South Pole.  All the details and the daily reports from Antarctica are still at www.dontjustdream.co.uk.

At the time of writing I am delighted to have helped raise around £17,000 for Cancerbackup.  If you enjoyed my story, it would be greatly appreciated if you made a small donation.  The expedition was paid for by myself, and all donations go entirely to Cancerbackup.

Donating online is simple and secure. Cancerbackup will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. If you'd rather send a cheque, make it payable to Cancerbackup and send it to Don't Just Dream, Hoppers Barn, Clyst Honiton, Exeter, EX5 2HR, with the following statement:  I am a UK taxpayer and I wish Cancerbackup to reclaim tax on this donation.

I chose to support Cancerbackup because, both mentally and physically, my challenges were not dissimilar to those faced by my close friend Matthew and other cancer patients like him. Matthew summarised his experience for me:

"18 years ago I started living with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a kind of cancer. Chemotherapy, total body irradiation, a bone marrow transplant and 9 weeks in a sterile room, earned me 15 disease free years. In this time, I achieved my Masters degree, built an executive career in IT, and married my wife with whom I raised two wonderful children. Last year, my lymphoma returned and spread to my kidney and spine. After another 9 month course of chemotherapy, one less kidney and intensive training, I am now back to swimming, cycling and running triathlon distances.

Next to my wife, family and friends, Cancerbackup gave me the knowledge and encouragement to challenge my Lymphoma and use the experience positively. From my first contact with a Cancerbackup nurse, I started to rebuild a more energetic and vibrant life. For helping me see and choose this path, rather than one of despair, I am always grateful  to Cancerbackup. Their sensitive pragmatism keeps me focussed on getting the very best out of my life."  

I’ve always relished the great sense of achievement that comes from enduring mental and physical challenges. The very best feeling comes from achieving that which I initially thought to be unattainable. My dream, to have walked alone and unaided to the South Pole, was, for me, the ultimate challenge; more men have walked on the moon!

Matthew is a very old friend of mine, and I know that this endeavour had many similarities to the demands faced by him and other cancer patients. I understand too the value of informed and understanding support, which is why I empathise so much with Matthew’s challenges and greatly value his appreciation of Cancerbackup.

John.

www.dontjustdream.co.uk