Thank you for visiting my JustGiving Page in memory of Peter Spence for the Ninewells Cancer Campaign at Dundee University. My name is Iona, I am almost 10 years old, and Christmas 2014 is the time I had to say goodbye to my Grandad- the man with the birdie tattoos.

Along time ago before I was born, seventeen years ago to be precise, Grandad was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma which is a form of Cancer. Cancer is bad; it eats a person up like the ‘Hungry Caterpillar’. With treatment Grandad got better.  However one month before I was born, whilst on stage at the Dundee Rep, he keeled over clasping his heart. This was not because he was nervous but because he was having a heart attack. At first the audience thought it was part of the show, then they realised it was not. Luckily three Doctors in the audience gave him CPR and brought him back.

I am so glad they did this, as I got to know him and him me. We had many adventures together taking in the sights of Dundee, Broughty Ferry, Edinburgh, Forfar, Glen Clova and London where I live. We compared tattoos, had many long phone conversations about both silly and important things and even about escaping from hospital and the merits of hospital food; particularly custard and jelly, which he liked.   

Last year the Lymphoma came back and Grandad became too ill to go on the cruise that he had booked or to attend my  First Holy Communion; which I didn’t mind much as long as Grandad was being treated and getting better.  Unfortunately he didn’t get better. Unable to attend his funeral I set myself a list of goals that would make Grandad proud.

On the 26^th of September 2015, a day after what would have been  Grandad’s birthday, I will be competing in the Hever Castle Triathlon; 100m/4km/1.3km (swim/cycle/ run), and hopefully achieve one of those goals.

The Ninewells Cancer Campaign is fronted by Dennis the Menace.  It supports world leading cancer research being carried out at University of Dundee and also provides funding for the improved care of cancer patients and promotes close collaboration between research scientists and clinicians.  

Alternatively you can also donate via JustTextGiving.                             Text IONA54 followed by the amount you wish to donate. 

Example IONA54 £1  (If you wish to donate £1) to 70070

You will only be charged for the amount of your donation, as Vodafone absorb all charges. Also, 100% of the funds you donate through JustTextGiving are passed to the charity.

Lets "Help Dennis beat the Menace”.  Thanks for all your support.

Iona xoxo