Story
On the 13th of January 2009, aged 30, I was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma and began a successful five months of chemotherapy. The majority of this time was spent in hospital where I was looked after by extremely caring and competent doctors and nurses.
Hospital, however, was far from home and this, coupled with an overwhelming desire to be with my wife and newborn son, often left me feeling frustrated and lacking control. The hours upon hours spent lying in a hospital bed were mind-numbingly boring. At times I was also scared and felt very alone, having too much time to mull over my fears and vulnerabilities.
This is where the Maggie’s centre stepped in; helping to dissolve these fears and create a life beyond cancer. Situated on the site of the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, this “home away from home” was a far cry from the clinical environment I'd had forced on me. Whenever I was not receiving treatment I was able to visit the centre and often spend the afternoon there.
The Maggie’s staff were so kind and warmly welcomed me and my family. They were there when I needed someone to talk to and were trained to appreciate what cancer sufferers and recovered patients may be going through. It was a place of solace for me, providing a relaxed and positive environment. To sit in a room and know I wouldn't be disturbed by "Cup of tea?" or "I just need to take your blood" was bliss! However self-conscious I felt with my bald head and tube stuck up my nose, or angry, or frustrated, I knew this Centre would help me to regain a sense of calm. The people I met there and the centre itself assisted enormously in my recovery.
I cannot strongly enough endorse or emphasize the wonderful role that Maggie’s Centres and their staff play in helping those come to terms with cancer. As a result I am running a 5 km race in Edinburgh and a half marathon in Blackpool to raise money towards building a new Maggie’s Centre in Newcastle. If you are able to give some money to help this cause, I would be extremely grateful.
Thank you.
UPDATE! Due to serious man-flu and a total lack of fitness the half marathon in Blackpool didn't happen. However, I'm currently training for the Edinburgh Half Marathon on the 23rd May, and will do this run, walk or crawl. Training going well!