I've always liked boxing and when I found out about White Collar it just made sense on every level.  The thought of it terrified me but I'd wanted a physical challenge for a long time so when this opportunity came up I just thought 'why not.'

I've been reflecting a lot on how my mum's death, in August 2008 when I was 24 yrs old, shaped how my life has gone since. Losing someone of that significance divides your life neatly into two parts: the life when you were able to see them, and the life you then have to try and rebuild once you no longer can. 

To be honest we had it easy.  We had almost 2 yrs to get used to the idea of what was coming, between her diagnosis and eventual death. I had 24 yrs to experience her unconditional love, not just for me but for humanity more generally and in particular for those less fortunate than her, and her wisdom as a parent, which I wish I'd realised at the time was really quite exceptional. The hardest part for me has been having to raise my own kids without the benefit of her guidance. But thousands of people have it so much worse than we did. Losing kids for instance. I don't really know how those people cope.

My dad has been working to beat cancer his whole life and even now after retirement he's still finding ways to raise cash and make a contribution so it's definitely time for me to get off my arse now and join in the effort. 

Thanks for reading if you got this far. If you can spare the time I'd really appreciate a donation. Thanks and love,

Max