We have all been affected by cancer in one way or another. Be it a friend, family member or even ourselves.

20 years ago, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma & I thought it was about time I gave something back to the cancer community that saved my life. Being Only 17 when diagnosed I didn’t realise how ill I was when the doctor told me I had Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I was the fittest I had ever been, after completing my Army basic training I had that I’m invincible approach on life that the Army drills into you. I thought I would be back in 2 weeks for the start of my trade training until the nurse came over to tell me that Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was a form of Cancer. Talk about dropping a bomb shell

The prognosis was pretty grim & they asked my parents to stay as they thought I wouldn’t make it through the night. Somehow, I managed to pull through & after a few months recovering in one of the wards at Christies it was time to start the chemotherapy. Due to the aggressiveness of the cancer the doctors asked if I would like to try a new treatment which had never been used on anyone my age before. I said “YES”. After two & a half years’ worth of treatment it was time for high dose Chemo & a bone marrow transplant. I went through hell & back in my goldfish bowl. My life wouldn’t be what it is today without the fantastic research and treatment available.

A Year Against Cancer has been created to build a cancer fighting community ready to help kick cancers ass!

You can get involved in any way you like. Whether that be a donation, completing your own event or sponsoring one of our events (more details on our events to follow).

If you are carrying out your own event we will follow your story on our Justgiving & Facebook page.

Please get involved, please support the people carrying out events & let’s help kick cancers ass! #AYAC