This is our beautiful husband and brother Jarek who passed away on Thursday 26th November 2015 from cholangiocarcinoma – an extremely rare and fatal cancer of the bile duct. His death and illness was sudden and unexpected and left a devastatingly large hole in our lives that can never be filled. 

Joanna: 
Jarek was the most beautiful and fascinating human being that I have ever met. When I write this, I’m not thinking only about his looks (with regard to that he would definitely prefer the word handsome!), but also about his personality. For 11 years, 3 months and 9 days I had an honour to know him I was always mesmerised by his incredible brain!

I don’t know a single person that wouldn’t like my husband. With his always slightly laid-back attitude, sharp sense of humour, bright mind, and charming smile, he was winning the hearts of all those around him.

He’s the love of my life. 

Mariola:  
My brother was a very kind and intelligent person who cared for me like no one in this world. In his short life he managed to accomplish so many great things. His attitude to life and love will always remain an inspiration to me. Even though the time was too short I am very proud to have had him as my brother and as his little sister I feel it is my duty to contribute as much as I can to the cause that was so close to his heart.

Cholangiocarcinoma is a cruel and aggressive type of cancer that very little is known about. Its symptoms are very vague and difficult to diagnose; by the time the cancer is discovered, the tumor has often grown within the liver and spread into other organs. 

Jarek died just 50 days after being diagnosed, this devastating disease gave us no warning and very little time to say goodbye. Despite of his terminal prognosis, Jarek was very brave and not even once did he complain about his illness and pain. He was strong, caring, loving, full of hope and dreams, and he fought till the last breath. 

Jarek had a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and was working in cancer research to develop anti-cancer vaccines and he was supporting three different cancer charities. He was a very optimistic and energetic person, he carried a very healthy lifestyle and loved all sorts of outdoor activities. His great passion was beach volleyball and he was an active member of Scottish Volleyball Association. Jarek planned to complete the Inca Trail in Peru in 2016 that is why we decided to take part in the challenge and raise money for the Institute of Cancer Research.

From 11th - 20th November 2016 we will be taking part in the Inca Trek Challenge, what means that we’ll be ‘going up’ on Jarek’s 31st birthday. Even though he is not able to join us he will be with us in our thoughts and hearts.

Rare and less common cancers receive only about 20% of research funding and very little attention to raise awareness, yet they account for more than 50% of deaths! For that reason we decided to restrict our funding to Dr Chiara Braconi’s research group which specialises in cancers of the liver, pancreas, gall bladder and bile duct. (Here is more information about this on the ICR website: http://www.icr.ac.uk/our-research/researchers-and-teams/dr-chiara-braconi ). 

On behalf of Jarek and ourselves we like to say thank you to anyone who donates, no money can ever bring him back but hopefully with your support we can all contribute to finding a cure for cancer.

With love,

Joanna and Mariola

**OUR CHALLNEGE IS SELF-FUNDED WE COVER ALL THE COSTS OF OUR TRIP, ALL THE DONATIONS WILL GO DIRECTLY TO ICR**

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