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In 2013 Simon Turner after died after an awesome battle with cancer. 2 years before I lost my cousin in the very same way. But I'd never heard about "palliative care". I knew of St Oswald's but never knew what they did. Simon was 33 years old. The guy that stops on the way to work to have a natter because he hasn't seen you in a while. The one that gets you involved in stuff and never leaves you out... his laugh like a gatling gun rattling through his nose, on his bike always, through Newcastle, cameras, laptops, records hanging off him. Then one day he needed help. Humbling to the max for me and I’m sure a lot of others. St Oswald’s looked after him, kept him safe. Kept family and friends at peace.

He faced his battle with dignity and incredible bravery. Visiting him at the hospice opened my eyes to "care". A great deal of love for the work they do at the hospice was awakened in me, and I have simon to thank for that.

So In a few days time I will be setting off for the test of a life time. I will be navigating my way through Vietnam, 3000Kms trekking and on motorcycle alone with a map and fear in my belly for 25 days. 100% self funded by myself. Every penny raised no matter how modest will go straight to where it is needed most.

This will be the first part of my 4 month adventure to South East Asia. I am coming back from hardcore mental health issues Many of those who know my story will know that having suffered a complete mental collapse in 2013-14, unable to venture outside my flat, I have been steadily building myself back up again. I hope that part of this journey will be healing and self affirming as I am not all that confident about the world. But one thing i do know is that care for others is the best gift ever.

What I would like to do with the support of friends and family, is dedicate my first leg of Vietnam to Simon's memory. St Oswald’s Hospice.

Hospice care is so important because at the end of your life when things turn dark, for you and others around you. Having these amazing selfless people step in to help all involved with the approaching final life event is priceless. The life and passing of Simon Turner taught me that. He was young cool, fun and if you ever met him you loved him…

Now I’m not very good at asking for help and I am not very good at asking for generosity. But I am going to do it because it is a discomfort zone that I haven’t quite conquered yet.

Half a pint of larger is all I ask that you pledge. I’ll get the other half when I see you!!! Jokes that would more than make a difference to a lot of peoples lives.

Caring is the most amazing thing that we can do as people. Please do help me get around Vietnam and help me raise some funds for a good cause.

Love

Umar

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