My Husbands cancer Journey — And Why We Are Taking on Relay for Life 2026

Cancer is something you always think happens to someone else. You never imagine it will be you.

But in March 2025, our worlds changed when my husband was diagnosed with urachal bladder cancer. In an instant, everything felt uncertain — the emotions, the fear, the endless what ifs. We didn’t know what the road ahead would look like, or whether there would be light at the end of the tunnel.

Under the care of the incredible urology team at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, we learned that he would need major surgery. Several internal organs would have to be removed, and he would have to adapt to life with a urinary stoma. Before that, he faced months of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour.

Chemotherapy was one of the hardest journeys of his life. He got through it thanks to the love and support of our family, friends, colleagues, and the outstanding teams across Addenbrooke’s oncology, urology, and chemotherapy departments. Their strength carried him when his was running low.

In August 2025, he underwent more than nine hours of surgery — led by a remarkable surgeon, supported by a dedicated theatre team, and assisted by the DaVinci robot.

Today, he is fully recovered. And we are incredibly grateful to be able to say the words he is cancer‑free. He counts himself as one of the lucky ones. From the first day of chemotherapy, he was determined to beat this — not just for himself, but for everyone who stood by him through the darkest and brightest moments.

Now it’s our turn to give something back.

We are Taking Part in Relay for Life — A 24‑Hour Marathon for Cancer Research UK

From noon on Saturday 4th July 2026 to noon on Sunday 5th July, we, and a team of family and friends will be walking through the day, through the night, and into the next morning at Relay for Life in Bury St Edmunds.

We are doing this to honour the people who saved his life.

We are doing this for those still fighting.

And we are doing this in memory of those who didn’t get the chance we did.

Why Your Support Matters

Cancer Research UK funds the science that leads to earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and more survivors. I’m living proof of what research, innovation, and brilliant medical teams can achieve.

Every donation — big or small — helps someone else find their own light at the end of the tunnel.

If You Can, Please Support Our Relay for Life Challenge

Your generosity will help fund life‑saving research and give more people the chance to say the words we were lucky enough to hear: cancer‑free.

Thank you for reading our story, and thank you for supporting this cause that means the world to us.