In September Jo, Mick, Jobbo Jnr, Laura and I are taking part in the National Forest Trek. It is a 75 mile walk over 3 days. Starting here in Loughborough and ending up at the arboretum in Burton. Day one being 17th September finishing on the 19th. Saturday the 18th will be the first anniversary of losing Louise, so I’m guessing that this day might be the most difficult of the 3.

We  will dedicate the walk to Together Against Cancer. This charity helped Louise a lot and she enjoyed going there before we were all locked down.

Louise’s parents, sister and my parents will be taking part in the 5km which will take place on the last day in Burton. As will will Lou’s best friend Lisa and family. And many more hopefully!

Our girls will also be doing the 5 with Nanny and Grandad and Auntie Catherine and Auntie Lisa.

Cancer spent a total of 364 days with our family. A year to move in and take away my wife; Christine and Richards daughter; Catherine’s sister and many other’s friend and colleague.

Most importantly, Ellie and and Katie’s mother.

Cancer tore into our house and ripped it apart and left devastation behind. This ‘little’ walk is just something we want to do to help fight back against it. We 6 appreciate that this will be a very tough thing to do and we have all been complaining endlessly about it since we started this thing. But it’s nothing like having and dealing with cancer, so it will literally and figuratively ‘be a walk in the park’ compared to that.

I want to thank Richard and Christine for their support in doing this. The 18th will be the final tick of the ‘firsts’ since Lou died - and possibly the hardest. That said, we all agree that this is the right thing to do rather than letting this day pass us by with our heads in our hands.

My thoughts and love go to anyone who is dealing with this disease. Be it sitting in the chemo suite or receiving the horrible radiation. Losing your hair, feeling so ill all the time and constantly hearing more and more bad news. To those who suddenly have their future thrown into doubt.

This also goes to those who sit next to their loved ones in that chemo suite (or in my case - having to drop her off outside due to a pandemic); do the daily and weekly drives to the hospital for the 20 second zap of radiation and waiting for them to come out of their operation. Those who feel completely and utterly helpless throughout the whole process. I completely understand the lonely experience it can be for the loved ones of the people with Cancer.

My love also goes to those who have kicked this horrible thing. You are all heroes!

Please get in touch with Jo, Catherine, Andy, Laura or Lisa if you want to join us. It will be fun, I promise.

Thanks for reading and have a good day, wherever you are,

Dave