Many thanks for deciding to make a donation to the NI Hospice this will enable them to continue their wonderful work looking after and supporting people like me.  Most of you will know that just over a year ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Terminal Lung Cancer that that unfortunately spread to my lymph nodes, liver and bones.  I have a tumour at the very top of my spine which has now caused the very top vertebrae to become unstable, hence the neck brace.  A knock to my neck or an accident could cause this vertebra to crumble and that would be fatal.

I have had radiotherapy and chemotherapy which unfortunately has only been able to hold back the progression so far and the cancer continues to spread through my bones in particular my shoulder, ribs and lower spine.

In all of this however there is good news in that, I have defied every doctors opinion and have lived this long- according to them I really should not be here, so for that I consider myself very thankful.

Over the past year I have come to rely so heavily on the Hospice staff for their ongoing support and especially when admitted as an inpatient twice for symptom control and pain management.   I will never be able to thank the Hospice staff enough for what they have done for me so instead of sending cards this year I will be making my own donation to this wonderful organisation and am asking friends and family to make a donation, however small, to help support the work that the hospice do.

Without a doubt I am still here due to the care and attention I have received from all of the healthcare workers involved in my care, but the staff at the NI Hospice must be given special mention.  From my Community Palliative Nurse, who has been with me every step of the way, to all the staff looking after me when I was an inpatient in the Hospice twice, I have been afforded the highest level of care and attention.  This has all ensured I have been given the best chances of not only survival but of living life to the full.

The NI Hospice work miracles every day and I know every single penny is so important in enabling them to carry out the work that they do, so please consider making a donation, however small, to my JustGiving page.  Help them to continue to help people like me live fulfilling lives in comfort, free from pain and with dignity. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.