Thank you for visiting my page and taking the time to read my story. Although it’s longer than normal I think it’s important to highlight the extraordinary circumstances in my dads case and why the early diagnosis campaign is so important to saving lives in the future.

My dad was a 56 year old man who lead a fit and healthy lifestyle as he regularly played football and ran in his spare time. He never smoked and rarely drank. In September 2020 my dad got a PCR test due to a persistent cough he developed. This came back negative however the cough was still there. After contacting his GP several times he was put on different reflux tablets. Finally 9 weeks later a doctor agreed to see my dad to sound his chest. He was sent for an X Ray where they found a shadow in his lungs.

In December 2020 my dad was diagnosed with stage IV terminal lung cancer. Being told he could have 4 months to a year to live. When people hear lung cancer they automatically ask did he smoke, Nope, Never. He was diagnosed with EGFR positive as if this wasn’t devastating enough the odds again were stacked against my dad as his mutation was so very rare only 4 cases have been identified in the world. Despite the diagnosis he kept his spirits up staying positive and gave it all his fight while still managing to be his usual daft joking self.

In mid January it appeared as if his treatment was working, there wasn’t any sign that it had shrunk but his tumours hadn’t grown. Despite everyday now involving a constant coughing of blood and being sick, which lead to him fainting at times. This was a terrifying experience for my Mum and Dad which was made even more difficult due to it being during lockdown. My dad was too vulnerable for his family to be near him so we couldn’t take the risk visiting. Other than doorstop shopping drop offs and watching the grandkids play in the back garden from his patio window for half an hour. Sadly my dad got so ill we only got to do 2 garden visits. So sad to say I can’t remember the last time I gave my dad a hug.

In February treatment wasn’t improving my dads condition he started chemo, 4 days later he had a seizure and was taken into hospital to find out the awful news that the cancer had spread to his brain, there were several tumours in his brain so deep they couldn’t operate. Since my dad was otherwise fit and considering his age his fantastic consultant at the Beatson advised they give him chemo and radiotherapy. He didn’t have time not to treat both areas fast.

My dads condition rapidly got worse still coughing, no strength struggling for a breath most days. He got taken into hospital on 11 March 2021 with a temperature and found out he had covid and pneumonia. Unfortunately my Dads symptoms were disguised due to him having lung cancer. After 5 days in hospital fighting like a warrior my dad sadly passed away without his family round his bedside. No family member should ever have to pass away on their own.

I hope to help this charity raise awareness and prompt GP’s to investigate symptoms in patients such as persistent coughs, chest and back pain or in future make a chest x ray a regularly routine check.

Despite not being a runner or gym goer I’m looking to complete the David Goggins challenge - run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours. I know this challenge will push me to the limit both physically and mentally but if I can raise money to prevent just one family having to experience what my family has had too then it will be worthwhile.

Thanks so much
Nicole and family x