As many of you know my lovely dad, Ron Butchart, got thyroid cancer in 2014. He was treated for this in late 2014/early 2015 and up until recently had made a good recovery and was enjoying life, even cycling down to Cornwall...However four months ago he started to lose weight again and the symptoms he had suffered in early 2015 returned. He lost dramatic amounts of weight and had great difficulty breathing or swallowing. He was admitted to The Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro where he received an in-depth investigation and support from the amazing team who work there.

The outcome is that Ron (or Smurf/Baa/Pops to us) has been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer – a squamous cell carcinoma. The tumour has grown rapidly in his neck, and as a result has made normal functions we take for granted like swallowing or breathing impossible. Three weeks ago he had a tube inserted directly into his stomach so he now gets his calories and water this way. He can no longer eat food in the conventional way but likes to chew food with Tilly (the dog) being the beneficiary. To allow him to breath, he has had a tracheostomy tube fitted directly into his windpipe. We hope that we can tackle the cancer and if not eradicate it at least extend the time that he can spend with us.

Life is extremely tough at times; through all this my wonderful dad is tackling all this head on just as he has always taught us. He has his moments, but most of the time it’s almost like this is just another challenge he will fight.

He truly is an inspirational man, so much so I have decided that I am giving up one of so many things he can no longer enjoy. I will undergo a "dry" (booze free) September to raise money for the Wheal Coates ENT ward (F2276) at The Royal Cornwall Hospital who looked after him so well.

I know we all get a lot of requests for sponsorship, but it would be great if you could support me to say thank you to the team in Truro who work so selflessly and dedicate their time for others.

Thank you