As most of you know my uncle Santo was diagnosed with Cancer in February 2013. On Sunday the 8th of February 2015, he tragically lost his battle with this disease.

My family and I have witnessed what this disease can do and how destructive it is. We have seen how Cancer turned him from a colourful, funny, lovable, animated character, often the centre of attention and always well known, into someone broken from physical and emotional pain and fear. The family have known for a while what the bleak outcome was going to be, but none of us expected the level of distress and horror that we would eventually experience unfolding before our eyes, and all much sooner than we had hoped for. You frequently hear of peoples experiences of Cancer, perhaps because of the horrible frequency of the disease, people become numb when hearing about it and struggle to really understand it, they've heard it all before and who can blame them. Until witnessed, no description I can give to you now will come near to describing how horrifying and heart breaking it is. Often few people talk of the physicality's of this disease, this little detail is often missed, and for good reason. Details like how it changed his face, his voice, the look in his eyes, the forced sound of his last breaths, the words he used in his last few moments and the striking contrast to what he once was. Its this sort of detail that keeps many of my family awake at night as well as the emptiness left behind. We are left with questions we can't answer. How can this be a part of life? Why him? How can my uncle, the most physically strong person I know, be totally racked by this disease? How can this be god's doing?

The entire experience has taught us a lot. The value of family, the importance of cherishing what you have, the value of friends, the impact of children and the meaning of true reliance and care. In his last days many of us, friends and family, spent time with him at his bed side, making sure at no point was he ever alone, he finally chose to let go of life with my dad and his wife at his side. These were difficult days for all of us, watching someone who we have loved so much, be taken away from us, helpless in preventing what was coming. The vision of what the disease left behind once it was done will be forever scarred in my mind.

During this challenging time, the care that Santo received from St Catherine's Hospice in Crawley was inspirational. The staff's commitment to care was something we truly valued. The medical support he received was always professional, the emotional support making a crucial impact. He was monitored, cleaned, comforted,  and talked to every step of the way. As the family we were considered, counselled, and cared for with equal love and attention. We have been fortunate to rarely experience this disease at its worst, the staff on the other hand deal with it on a daily basis, putting true meaning to the words 'Strength and patience'. I cannot express how grateful the family are to them and everything they have done.

By donating to this event hopefully other families in a similar position can continue to receive this amazing level of care that we and Santo experienced. I know that this is probably one of many charity donating requests that have come your way already this year. But if you knew Santo or even if you didn't, if you've experienced Cancer, or know someone who has, if you understand the value of care and support, I ask you on behalf of my family to donate generously to this cause. A distinct memory that will always stay with me is the amount my uncle use to walk, he would often walk miles everyday, usually scanning the floor for any lost treasures, watches, phones, old coins and such like. My brother and I felt what else would be more fitting than for us to raise money for the hospice by walking, and walking far.

Please donate whatever you can, your money will make a difference. People who have donated in the past to this hospice are the people who helped Santo and my family directly, if I could, I would thank them all personally. I can't do that, so instead we'd like to pass on that gift to other families unfortunate enough to have this ahead of them by making sure the hospice has the funding it needs by the means of a donation.  

Thank you St Catherine's Hospice for all that you have done for Santo and all the patients that you have under your care.     

Please donate,

Steve, Vic & Family