Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Any donation you kindly make will be divided between Ipswich Hospital (Woolverstone ward Oncology), Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford (The surgical team) and the OPA (see below)

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

For those who do not know, OAP (Oesophageal Patients Association) is a charity set up over 20 years ago to help the growing number of people suffering with oesophageal cancer by giving free advice and support on how to cope with the disease. They work with the medical profession for earlier diagnosis, better treatments and improved outcomes.

In August 2009 I was diagnosed with oesophagus cancer and thanks to the skill and professionalism of the many NHS specialists from Ipswich and Broomfield hospitals that cared for me, along with the prayers and positive wishes from family, friends and colleagues, I have made an amazing recovery. Although it would be impossible to fully repay all those that have seen me safely through this difficult time, I do intend to help pay back however I can and reassure the many that will sadly suffer the same problems as I have that they are in very safe and capable hands with the NHS.

Suffolk born, I have always had an affinity with our many rivers and estuaries both on the shore and on the water and my recent illness has made me appreciate the beauty and diversity of them all the more. Having decided to challenge myself to raise much needed funds for our hospitals and cancer research, I could think of no better way than to make use of our great rivers and estuaries, the Stour, Orwell, Ore and Deben. My plan is to celebrate my 65th year by canoeing all four rivers in a weekend and hope that this challenge will be rewarded by some generous sponsors.

The Estuaries Challenge was a massive success and with strong head winds on two of the four rivers proved to be just that! However the support I received both on the water and on the shore kept me going on both days and the feeling of achievement at the end made the effort well worthwhile. What is truly humbling is the kindness and unquestioning support given by so many people, some I do not even know!

More details can be found on www.canoeingforcancer.co.uk

We are also planning other fund raising activities:

OPEN GARDEN AT BIRCH HOUSE 5thJUNE 2011

A GREAT SUCCESS

What a truly memorable day we had with over 200 visitors. The sun shone and it seems everyone was determined to make the most of the 'Garden Party' atmosphere that we had. Over £1500 was raised from entrance fees, raffle, plants and tea sales. Our special thanks to all those who volunteered and helped out on the day.

I CAN BE CONTACTED ON 01394 411422 OR EMAIL mja@sandlings .co.uk