In May 2004 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer which spread to my lymph and lungs. After surgery and three months of BEP chemotherapy, I was put into remission and all seemed well. Unfortunately, after two and a half years, in 2007 following a routine scan a lump was found in my chest attached to the outside of my lung. By the time of the surgery the lump had grown from the size of a thimble to that of a hockey ball. I underwent significant chest surgery and when it was removed it turned out to be cancer again. It took me the better part of 2007 to recover from that surgery but thanks to the skill of the Oncologists, Nurses and Surgeons that have treated me since the beginning of my journey with cancer, I am alive, well and ready to climb Kilimanjaro for UCARE.
I am climbing for a number of reasons; to prove to myself and to anyone else who is dealing with this disease that it doesn't have to limit what you do in your life, to give something back to the brilliant people who took care of me and to raise money to research this illness to help others in the future.
During my battles with Cancer, my illness was a metaphorical mountain for me with base camps, porters, a long painful climb and a blissful summit that represented the halfway point, the journey back down was equally as difficult but I knew that when I got to the bottom then I was done, I would have done something difficult and conquered that peak. Now I am fit and well I’m going to do a real mountain so please give generously to help others people journeys be as smooth as they can be.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: UCARE (OXFORD) gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please sponsor me now!
Thank you.
