The statistic 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime is well documented. Russell and I are (both) living proof of that statistic. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in early 2018. Russell having to deal with the former part of that well-meant but often forgotten vow we all say when we marry “in sickness and health”.

And due to complications Russell was confronted head on with that other vow “until death do us part” as one year ago on May 10 2018 as I lay in induced sedation in Critical Care Russell was told to prepare for the worst and to call my family to come down to say their goodbyes. Thankfully both learning much later down the line that the odds that week were 75% chance of mortality and I had survived.

Today I am in remission, 9 months so far. Our journey wasn’t an easy one, although we are sure much easier than some and with thankfully a good outcome.

To celebrate my one year remission milestone this coming September we have decided to do the Thames Bridge Trek on September 7 to highlight two things (there are many more) about cancer.

The amazing work that Angels (Nurses, Doctors, Physios, Pharmacists, Dieticians, Psychotherapists, Cleaners, Porters etc) do every day to make a cancer patients life better.

And secondly to highlight what loved ones (husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends etc) have to go through when they hear that their nearest and dearest has cancer. To watch a loved one deteriorate, cry uncontrollably, wet themselves, mess themselves, unable to wash, shave, clean their own teeth, learn to walk again, scream in pain (and sometimes just to make them feel alive) and to care for them as if they are a helpless child again is bad enough but to be told to prepare to say your goodbyes, when you haven’t prepared or don’t want to prepare to, is unimaginable. But for us it happened. And for many others; with some not having the results and positive outcome that we have today.

I include a very personal and private photo that shows me actually not at my worst if you can believe that. Taken with our beautiful friend and Guardian Angel Lou three months into aggressive chemotherapy, three weeks after coming out of sedation, still in Critical Care but thankfully finally detached from breathing, heart, dialysis apparatus. I hope it doesn’t upset any one too much but I show it to prove what giving money to the likes of Cancer Research can do as you know what I look like now!!!! And how with the right care, treatment and medication one year on my bloods have normalised and my immune system is back to that of a healthy person of my age.

So on 7 September Russell and I will be setting off from Putney Bridge, heading east, zigzagging over 16 bridges and 25km later arriving in Southwark all to raise money for Cancer Research so they can continue to prevent, control and cure cancer and to give hope and keep families together. We appreciate its not the London Marathon but living with peripheral neuropathy as a result of the chemo, walking 25km will feel like a marathon. Saying that the only way to overcome it is to exercise so bring it on!

We really hope you are able to sponsor us... Many thanks in advance, P&R x