On an evening in September 2017 I was sitting around the table with my girlfriends as we had one of our cosy dinners at Millie’s. Fred was there, feet up by the fire, telling us how he had been ill for more than a month continuously. He had chest pains that radiated to back pain and night sweats. We urged him to go back to the doctors.

The next day the world took a horrible turn. Millie called us to say that Fred had been to the doctors, and was sent straight to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and into X-ray where they discovered he had a Metastatic germ cell cancer (multiple tumours in his lungs), as well as multiple pulmonary embolisms.  

Blue lighted to St Barts in London, a living nightmare started for Fred, Millie and all the family. As friends, we had to watch our gorgeous friends be tested beyond belief, and do all we could to support them both with whatever was thrown their way. St Barts were amazing. They went above and beyond their call of duty, and ensured Fred was as happy as he could be. 

At this time very close to Fred’s diagnosis it had been a challenging time for myself and my husband trying to get pregnant. In this very photo on this page I had told Fred that he better get his Uncle duties up to scratch as we had fallen pregnant. A little miracle in this difficult time. 

May 2018 Fred passed away. A pain I have never felt before shadowed everything. 

On June 5th 2018 Fred’s Goddaughter Lyla Milena was born. 

A time of life I have felt the deepest heartache and pain and the truest joy and happiness. There were times I just didn’t know how to do that. 

As life continues, everyone has to carry on. Yet there are not many days that go by that we don’t talk to Fred, see him or think of him. 

I HATE long distance running as much as I HATE the Big C word. Hence why I am doing this as a challenge. Training hard during the winter months to run the London Landmarks half marathon. I am determined to push the training, yet enjoy the day for him.

Please donate to St Barts. The very place that looked after Fred during his time of treatment and last few moments. This will help others to have the support in a time most needed. 

Love and strength to you all.

Leanne xxx