My name is Irina Ford, a songwriter and artist and I was diagnosed with cancer in December 2017. I am raising funds to raise awareness of immunotherapy treatment for people affected by cancer, their families and friends and would really appreciate your support and any donation you can give. All monies raised are in aid of Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, connected to Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital, where I receive my  treatment.

A bit more about my story: Following intensive tests in two countries the doctors were unable to establish the primary site of the cancer. The prognosis wasn't good, due to the cancer's unknown origin. It was suggested to take a genomic test to determine if an alternative to chemotherapy treatment would be helpful. After the results came back, it was recommended that a specifically targeted treatment, combined with chemotherapy, might help. It did help - the markers went down and lesions in the soft tissues have reduced in  size. it gave me a half year of breathing space: unfortunately over winter the situation deteriorated and I am back on same protocol which helped me a year ago. Now is 2020 - 2 years of fighting:  an operation in November 2019 and a start of the 3rd chemo treatment for the new cancer growth in January 2020.

During my treatment I wrote a song The Tide, which inspired me to do something more and to 'give back' - and a short while later, the 'Fight The Tide' campaign was born.

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre. They ensure that their nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and groundbreaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, they will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.