From 8th - 14th November l’m heading to the Sahara desert to lead a gang of 50 for the ‘Sahara Rocks’ trek, an adventure of a lifetime. We will all be trekking in the name of  Love Hope Strength, the charity that Mike and I set up way back when in 2006, in the wake of Mike’s startling leukaemia diagnosis. Little did we realise then, that I would also receive my own breast cancer diagnosis in 2016,  and that Love Hope Strength would continue to go from strength to strength, as a community and resource, helping people living with cancer all over the world.

I’ve trekked to Macchu Picchu, Kilimanjaro, Kauai, Hawaii, Holy Land,  Grand Canyon, Snowdon, Iceland, Ben Nevis, Empire State Building and Offa’s Dyke, but this will be the first time I head out on an LHS trek without my Co-pilot, Michael Peters. As much as we are strong together, we have also spent many tumultuous moments apart (when I was diagnosed with breast cancer I urged Mike to still go to America on tour, as the show just go on!) I think we have perhaps become stronger for it. For knowing what it is like to be apart.

Over the last 7 months and the unfurling drama of Mike’s health, I have occasionally imagined life without Mike. A permanence in change. This is part of life, thinking of death whilst living with cancer. There have been dark days where I’ve had to dig a bit deeper and then there have been so many bright days when I’m just honestly grateful for a simple day without fear. Cancer simplifies everything, cuts the wheat from the chaff and makes life even more meaningful. The stars shine brighter, the grass is more green, the sky startling blue or granite grey, the sand more inviting. Which is why these hikes mean even more to me and all the trekkers who are joining me. We will all be leaving parts of ourselves behind but moving forward with strength in our hearts to raise money and create a better future for those lives affected by cancer. Together Stronger, the trekkers have already raised an incredible £50,000 and counting and this week I was overwhelmed to receive the news that we have been graciously offered match-funding by an a American Alarm fan to the tune of another £50,000.

So for the first time in our trekking history, it seemed like a good time for me to set up a Just Giving page in the name of Mike and I. For every pound/dollar, Love Hope Strength will receive double the amount of funding. Whilst continuing to receive chemotherapy back at home and getting himself match fit, Mike will be with us all in spirit, willing us on with his quiet determined strength. So in the name of Love and in the name of Hope, thank you for supporting our quest.

Love Hope Strength (LHS) helps save and change lives one concert, one step, one helping hand at a time through working in partnership with cancer care specialists across the globe and offering support when families affected by cancer need it most. The money we raise through Sahara Rocks will help LHS fund new equipment and special projects in cancer centres, treatment units and community services in the UK and the USA and in underprivileged communities around the world. LHS helps people affected by cancer across the globe through its partnerships with local hospitals and international organisations including the Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania, blood cancer charity DKMS, the World Cancer Research Fund and the Union for International Cancer Control.   

Every £1 or $1 given to my fundraising will be matched, £ for £, $ for $ by the wonderful Beauchamp Family Foundation. You can give to LHS UK through this page, or give through tax effectively in the USA through our secure US website, here: https://lovehopestrength.org/donate/. It will only take a couple of minutes, but could help make the world of difference for those people affected by cancer who will benefit from your generosity. Thank you so much. Diolch yn fawr.

I hope  one day if you are ever reading this and contemplating joining us in the future, please reach out and get in touch. Love Hope Strength is all about community and sharing. You are not alone and we are here to help.

I’m indebted to everyone who has thought about or prayed for us, given me a knowing smile, sent messages or who have walked by my side this year. Thank you to you all for supporting me so lovingly this year. It’s helped keep my chin up and stay strong more than you will ever know. Onwards and upwards. Music will keep us strong. Xxx