My wife, Claire, was diagnosed with a rare form of bowel cancer late last year. As those who have gone through it will know it is a huge roller coaster of emotions. But this story isn't all doom and gloom and amongst all the negative aspects we are pretty lucky. Lucky because they found it early and lucky because we have access to some of the best treatment at The Christie in Manchester. 

Today (Monday the 30th January) Claire underwent a 10 hour surgery to clear the cancer up. She's now in critical care and will likely be in hospital for two weeks or so. Whilst she is, I thought we could all give a little back and so I've set up this Just Giving page to support the fantastic work that The Christie do. I plan to keep this page open while she is hospital which is hopefully only until the 10th February so let's see what we can raise before then.

The Christie charity provides enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds and they fund life-changing and potentially life-saving projects. Everyone knows someone touched by cancer and so helping The Christie helps not only Claire but countless others families.

Appreciating that many people we know are based in New Zealand we have also set up a NZ page to support the Child Cancer Foundation. It's bad enough being my wife but having a young daughter and imagining her being affected by this disease would be heart breaking. The Child Cancer Foundation help children and their families get through the dark times and, believe me you need all the support you can get. If you'd prefer to support this New Zealand charity then here is the link www.givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/Paul-Williams178

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page and as an added incentive for every £5 donated to The Christie we'll add an extra £1 (up to £500!). Doing the maths if we get to £2,500 we'll top it up to £3,000.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to The Christie so please, please donate.