Cancer, a word we all want to avoid.  It fills you with dread, fear, apprehension and many more emotions. So many of us are affected by it, be it family, friends or ourselves.

My personal introduction to cancer was many years ago when Sandra ( 'Er Indoors" ) was diagnosed -wow!!!  Like being hit by a train. Thankfully, with the help of the NHS medical teams all is under control and being monitored.

This was also my introduction to "Maggie's"  who offer support and advice to family and friends. Trust me they are magnificent. Their support covers everything.  

Since then I have lost my best RoyalNavy oppo for over fifty years to cancer. Another ex Navy great frend's wife is struggling with cancer having gone through chemo, radiotherapy and several nightmares.

Now it appears to be my turn. Off we went to Spain for our usual "escape Scotland's winter" for a few months.

I was turning yellow and it was not a sun tan. Had to go to hospital in Marbella.

A bit of surgery got rid of the sun tan BUT, while diagnosing my condition the consultant found a terminal cancer.

That was January 2020. I was given a choice, stay and they would do what they could or return home.

Well, if it is terminal. Best we get home to the family and deal with it together. After being checked out back here in UK our worst fears were confirmed and I was told three maybe four months -we'll see about that.

The emotion for all has been so hard to cope with and once again "Maggies" provided the shoulder for us all in so many ways.

With the conivirus hitting the world, everyone is suffering and charities that support whatever cause are suffering to continue their important role.

Now, more than any other time I have come to realise how important it is to remind myself  on how lucky I have been. Sharing a life so full of love, so many great friendships. I have put together a few slideshows of family, friends and places. Memories that should be enjoyed.

I hope you enjoy sharing them and  please share with as many people as possible. Just cut and paste this address: https://sandypowell.smugmug.com

While you are there, if you see a link saying "donate" - hit it and help "Maggies" continue their great work.

Thanks to you all.

Maggies Fife needs your help now more than ever. Were here giving the best possible support to people with cancer and their families at this incredibly difficult time. We have one to one phone and email support. Our online community, run by psychologists, cancer support specialists and benefits advisors, is there to answer questions directly and post daily blogs on how to cope with self isolation or treatment changes. You can join our online kitchen table and chat to others in the same position. Everything we do depends on your kindness. We will always be there for people with cancer but we need you alongside us. £10,000 would allow us to provide specialist cancer support over the phone, email and online for a whole month. Anything you can do to contribute will be making a real difference.Please do whatever you can to help by supporting us today.