In 2011 I had the pleasure of meeting the Barbara family who were staying in Sutton whilst their 13 year old son was receiving treatment for a brain tumour in the Royal Marson Hospital. The family come from Malta, but had had to move temporarily to England because the treatment their son needed was not available in their own country. This meant leaving behind their 5 year old daughter, quitting their jobs and moving into an unknown country. it was a very confusing and frightening time for them. I was luckly enough to meet them this time. They became good family friends, and my mum, a former cancer sufferer, tried to help and support the family and Juan during this difficult period.

Despite all their best efforts at the Marsden, the family were told that the tumour had returned at that this time it was uncurable. Juan was given one year to live. After a long and painful battle, Juan Barbara passed away on December 17th 2012.

"Juan twinkled his eyes and called me mum, I kissed him and made way for Ivan to go near him, Juan moved his finger as if to ask his dad to go nearer, Juan kissed Ivan on the cheek. This was the last time we heard a word from him. Then he slept all the time"

Juan was only 13 when he had to endure cancer. He was inspiringly courageous and humble, and always looked on the positive side of life despite his heavy load. This sunday I am running the Nice half marathon in memory of him and in order to raise money for the Royal Marsdon Hospital.   

Any donations would be much appreciated, however small.