The end of 2017 and 2018 so far have been a very difficult time for myself and my family for a number of reasons - losing my sister in law's mum, Trish, to bowel cancer and learning of my friend's leukemia diagnosis.

Trish was diagnosed with bowel cancer nearly 10 years ago aged just 46. She underwent major, life changing surgery and had chemo and radiotherapy regularly, at least once a year, over the last 10 years. The cancer spread to her lung but treatment managed to keep the disease under control until it spread to her spine more recently. She was admitted to St Barnabas' hospice shortly before Christmas and their Hospice at Home team worked tirelessly alongside Macmillan and Marie Curie to fulfil her last wish which was to be at home. She passed away on January 18th 2018 at home, in her own bed, peacefully with her husband and daughter by her side. Macmillan nurses offered incredible support right throughout her treatment from someone to talk to following diagnoses, to advice during treatment and finally helping during her final days of palliative care. Their resource is invaluable to all affected by a cancer diagnosis which is why raising money for them is so important.

Having experienced what it is like for an individual and their family facing cancer, I know what an amazing role Macmillan have in providing support and guidance when there is nobody else. This is why I have chosen to take part in the Snowdon Triple Challenge - in memory of Trish Short and for my friend who I am always thinking of and wishing a speedy recovery.

In June I will be cycling 12 miles around the Welsh landscape, climbing to the summit of Snowdon (10 miles) and kayaking across Lyn Padarn (2.5 miles). This should take approximately 8 hours, and has to be completed in 1 day. I've never done anything like this before, I know for some people it may not seem like much of a challenge but it definitely is for me!

The scary truth is that one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, so its presence in our society is certain and we need to do all we can to help. If this is the case, then every family in the UK is likely to face the disease at some point. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is now as common a ‘life milestone’ as getting married or being awarded a degree. Therefore, we all need to be better informed about what a diagnosis means. And this starts in that very room, when a person is first told they have cancer.

Please donate whatever you can afford - every little helps :)

-Just £2 can keep a typical Macmillan information and support centre stocked with all the information resources they need to support people affected by cancer for one hour.
-£15 could pay for a Macmillian Support Worker for one hour, helping people living with cancer receive the support they need.