Sorry this is a long one!

As most of you know my Dad (Ivor) has been dealing with cancer for the last 3 years. Just when we thought he was clear we were given the devastating news that it had returned and that the tumour was inoperable, he was given just 18 months to live.

Those of you that know my Dad well know that he doesn’t give up, and so he didn’t. He decided to still fight and took all the treatment options he could. My Dad has always been a joker and even in his situation he tried to make light of his situation but his jokes had changed from “The doctor says it’s still OK to buy long life milk” to “I’m waiting to hear about my finance from Aston Martin”.

Dad spent most of Christmas 2016 in hospital as the cancer had started to really take hold of him. He was given the news that it has now spread to his lungs and was told to go home and enjoy his time left which was indicated as months.

Dad is now at his final stages at home, bed-bound and weak. His pain is being managed with various drugs which make him woozy and drunk like! Dad has had many visitors over that last couple of months which he loves. He loves talking about and hearing about all the good old days.

We as a family have helped Dad achieve some final wishes that he had, like putting a head stone on our brother Robert’s grave who died at 5 months old and putting Nan and Grandad's ashes together and planting them in the garden.

Throughout this whole horrible illness Dad has remained positive, dignified and gentlemanly. He has never questioned “Why me” , he has just accepted and fought it.

The treatment Dad has received from the whole of the cancer team at Darrent Valley Hospital has been amazing. Mum and Dad cannot praise enough how fantastic the care in the cancer care department (Pine Ward) was.

My Dad is my best mate, my hero and he has always been my guide through life. As a tribute to Dad I have decided to take on the biggest physical challenge of my life. With help from my amazing brother-in-law (Richard Cheney) I have decided to join the Valley to Paris cycle. The journey will take us from Darrent Valley hospital in Dartford to The Eifel tower in Paris. We will be clocking up over 255 miles in the saddle and no doubt have very sore bums! I did ask if I could take the Suzuki 600 but was told it must be "ginger power" so the push bike it is! We will be blogging our journey on Facebook so you will be able to laugh at our Lycra and adventures.

The money raised will be going to Darrent Valley cancer fighting fund helping with research and equipment needed to detect, treat and CURE cancer. It will literally help save lives!

With your sponsorship people like my Dad could in the future kick cancers big hairy butt! My target is to raise above £3000 and I cannot do this without you! Please sponsor me by clicking on the link and giving as much as you can!

Thank you
for taking the time to read this message.

Les
Harrison.