Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As many of you know, on 1st May last year, Tom our 16 year old son, was admitted to hospital for what we thought was a routine appendicectomy. Sadly he was diagnosed as having a malignant neuroendocrine tumour which had spread to his lymph glands.

In June, Mr Chadwick performed radical surgery at St Mark's Hospital and under their excellent care, Tom recovered well and was transferred to the Royal Free Hospital. We are so lucky to have the European Centre of Excellence for Neuroendocrine Tumours at the Royal Free, led by Prof Caplin. The Royal Free has an active research programme dedicated to furthering the understanding of what causes the cancer, how it grows, how it can be detected earlier and also for the development of new therapies.

As you can imagine, Tom's diagnosis turned our lives upside down but it is so reasurring that he is having the best care possible. In December we had the wondrerful news that Tom's MRI scan was all clear - the best Christmas present ever! His next scan is not till November this year.

During this difficult time we have experienced the NHS at it's very best and I want to do a little something to say a huge 'thank you' to the all staff who have cared for Tom and put a little back into the system. I have decided to once again swim in the murky waters of Victoria Dock to raise money for 'The Quiet  Cancer Therapy Appeal' administered  by the Royal Free Hospital, London, the research unit for neuroendocrine tumours.

Tom was a fit, tall, healthy young man prior to his surgery - a realisation that this can happen to anyone. Tom is well again and hopefully will remain so but if there is a reaccurrance, I want to know I did something to progress the research into treament and hopefully prevention for others.  

I thank you for any contribution you can give - every little helps. I realise I have done many other charity events recently and have asked a lot of family and friends but I am really grateful.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. 

With thanks Di x