Hayley 's Summer Lights and crazy hair choices!

I faced one of hardest challenges I had ever faced during 2010. After diagnosis of breast cancer, plus having had cancer (acinic cell carcinoma) in my saliva gland 5 years previously, I was completely devastated. Could I face cancer again? After hearing what the doctor told me I was in shock, as was my husband. We didn't know which way was up. Then along came Gill. Gill Hutson is a Macmillan nurse at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. I hope you don't ever "need" to meet her, but if you do, you'll have the absolute privilege. She came to us at our lowest, at our most vulnerable and caught us as we were falling. I love and hate the advert from Macmillan of the patients standing alone who start to collapse to the ground. Before they hit the floor a nurse runs up and catches them. This was Gill for us. This woman has such a beautiful heart. She was a light in the cancerous darkness, just when we needed her. She always had time for me, no matter how big or small the question. I have decided to do something quite drastic, I am going to shave my head, as it was 6 years ago when I lost my hair to chemo. I want to do this to show solidarity with my sisters who have and will share the painful journey that is cancer treatment. I pray for cancer to DO ONE, but until then I will fundraise for the frontline army who are coming alongside us to do battle. Gill, you are the reason that I'm doing this. Your faithfulness to your patients and the love that exudes from your heart is completely amazing. "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Love you. I'm cancer-free now! Woohoo!! Literally the ONLY downside to this is that I don't get to see you Gill!

I will be holding a summer lights party in our home and garden on Saturday 25th June, the day after my 16th wedding anniversary no less! Double celebration!! It will be from 7pm and everyone is invited to dress up! I may even get the old ball gown out of its hiding place!! We will have cocktails, music and dancing. House-party style! We may also have the pleasure of welcoming the hairdresser who supported me throughout my chemo treatment, the amazing Tracie from Talents in Hitchin. I'm hoping she'll be able to come and take my hair away for the second time! But I still need to ask her...!

I'm asking for you to donate whatever you can for this worthy cause. In previous years I have supported cancer research but this, I believe, is as important. They are the ones to walk us through these difficult times. Sadly the need for them is on the rise too. Help me to support them. Many thanks. Hayley X