Three years ago I had surgery to remove a third of my bowel, including a nasty little tumour. Four cycles of chemotherapy followed. Now, three years later, after 6 months of tests and scans we got the bad news that something nasty has returned. This time some lymph nodes around my bowel are taking the brunt. The good news, however, is that I start treatment later this month (October) and my lymph nodes are going to be given a helping hand by the good people of the NHS.

Although it's not the best news, I'm not going to moan and groan (any more than usual) and I'll instead continue to be the ray of sunshine that everybody knows me as.

Last time this happened, with the help of friends and family, we raised some money for some deserving charities and I'd appreciate your help in doing the same again. But, this time, as we are coming up to Christmas, and it is my favourite time of year, what I'd like to do is raise a sackful of money and maybe put together some hampers for the festive season for those less fortunate than us, maybe buy a truck load of selection boxes to give away, chocolates for the staff at local hospitals. If this thing goes viral, the possibilities are endless.

I know that money is tight, bills are going up and nobody has any fuel...so, I appreciate that this is a big ask. But, if you can donate anything at all, I'd love you more than I already do!

Thanks for reading...and Merry Christmas!